West Indies Master defeated South Africa Masters by 29 runs to secure the third spot in the International Masters League Play-off. Ravi Rampaul's impressive bowling performance of 5 wickets for 26 runs made headlines as West Indies defended their total convincingly.
South Africa Masters opened their innings with Richard Levi and Hashim Amla, while Brain Lara handed the new ball to Jerome Taylor. Richard Levi quickly took charge, aggressively attacking the bowlers during the powerplay, which allowed Amla to settle in.
Richard Levi's Explosive Start
Levi's explosive innings provided South Africa with a fast start, scoring 44 runs off just 16 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes, as South Africa reached 47 runs in just 3.3 overs. However, after Levi’s dismissal by spinner Sulieman Benn, South Africa lost two more wickets during the powerplay, thanks to Ravi Rampaul's bowling. Despite the early setbacks, South Africa managed to score 66 runs in the powerplay, keeping the match in a precarious balance.
Jacques Kallis and Jacques Rudolph then formed a 78-run partnership, helping South Africa stay in the chase. Kallis, dominant in this partnership, seemed in firm control, taking on the bowlers after settling down. However, West Indies struck back with two quick wickets, dismissing both Kallis and Rudolph in the span of six balls, leaving South Africa at 153 for 5 and needing 48 runs from the last four overs.
A clinical win for the West Indies Masters
The West Indies bowling attack effectively tackled the lower-middle order, taking wickets at regular intervals and restricting boundaries during the death overs. Despite the high pressure on the chasing team, Ryan McLaren provided a glimmer of hope by hitting a four and a six off consecutive balls but was dismissed shortly after while attempting to score more.
As the match came down to the last over, South Africa needed 30 runs from the final six balls. Sulieman Benn, who bowled the last over, delivered a maiden over against T. Tshabalala, who swung hard but failed to connect. With the maiden over concluded, West Indies Masters triumphed over the South Africa Masters by 29 runs, securing their place in the playoffs.
Also Read: IMLT20 WI vs SA - First Innings Highlights
Australia Masters also qualified for the playoffs, while South Africa Masters, having only earned 2 points in 5 matches, was knocked out of the competition. For more details, check the IMLT20 Points table.
Ravi Rampaul - Player of the Match
Ravi Rampaul was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding innings of five wicket haul of 5/26, leading West Indies to playoff qualification. Overall, it was a convincing win for the West Indies, which eliminated South Africa Masters from the competition.
