Lara, Simmons, and Rampaul Lead West Indies Masters to IML 2025 Semifinals with 29-Run Victory Over South Africa Masters

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West Indies Masters stormed into the semifinals of the International Masters League (IML) 2025 with a thrilling 29-run victory over South Africa Masters, fueled by Lendl Simmons' spectacular century, Brian Lara's classy contribution, and Ravi Rampaul's devastating five-wicket haul.

The match, played under the floodlights at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, was a trip down memory lane as West Indies' veterans rolled back the years with an electrifying performance.

After being invited to bat first against a formidable South African bowling attack led by Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini, West Indies Masters showcased their signature flair. Simmons stole the spotlight with a stunning 108 off 59 balls, well-supported by captain Brian Lara (29) and Chadwick Walton (38*), propelling their side to a commanding total of 200/5.

Early on, West Indies Masters found themselves in trouble as openers Dwayne Smith (5) and William Perkins (5) fell cheaply to Garnett Kruger. However, Simmons and Lara turned the tide with a remarkable 125-run stand for the third wicket. Simmons blazed his way to a 31-ball half-century, unleashing a range of attacking strokes, while Lara played the role of the elegant anchor before shifting gears with a breathtaking six and four off Alviro Petersen in one over.

Simmons accelerated further, reaching his hundred in just 54 balls, dispatching Thandi Tshabalala with a six and a four before calmly nudging a single to bring up his milestone. Just when the duo seemed set to take the total beyond reach, Ntini provided a breakthrough, dismissing Simmons for a dazzling 108. The very next ball, Ashley Nurse fell, giving South Africa a glimmer of hope.

Ryan McLaren then removed Lara for 29 off 34 balls, halting West Indies Masters' momentum. However, Walton ensured a strong finish, launching six colossal sixes in the final overs to push his team to the 200-run mark.

South Africa Masters started their chase on a positive note, with Richard Levi's blistering 44 setting the foundation. However, their hopes took a hit as three quick wickets pegged them back. Kallis and Jacques Rudolph attempted to revive the innings with a crucial 78-run stand, keeping the chase alive.

The duo kept the scoreboard ticking with well-placed strokes, but just when South Africa seemed back in contention, Simmons struck again-dismissing Rudolph for 39 off 34 balls. That breakthrough opened the floodgates.

Rampaul then turned the game on its head with a lethal second spell. In a devastating five-ball burst, he removed Kallis (45), Farhaan Behardien, and Dane Vilas in quick succession, dismantling South Africa's middle order. Having already accounted for Hashim Amla (3) earlier, Rampaul completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Ryan McLaren in his final over, restricting South Africa Masters to 171/8.

With that defeat, South Africa Masters bowed out of the tournament, while West Indies Masters marched into the semifinals in style.

Brief Scores: West Indies Masters 200/5 (Lendl Simmons 108, Chadwick Walton 38*, Brian Lara 29; Garnett Kruger 2/14, Makhaya Ntini 2/34) defeated South Africa Masters 171/8 (Jacques Kallis 45, Richard Levi 44, Jacques Rudolph 39; Ravi Rampaul 5/26) by 29 runs.