LENDL Simmons smashed a blistering century, and Ravi Rampaul produced a devastating five-wicket haul as the West Indies Masters secured a 29-run victory over South Africa Masters to book their place in the semi-finals of the International Masters T20 League on Tuesday.
Simmons, displaying vintage form, powered his side to a commanding total of 200 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. His explosive 108 off 59 balls, which included nine fours and 13 sixes, was the backbone of the innings after early wickets put the Windies on the back foot.

Batting first after South Africa Masters opted to field, West Indies lost Dwayne Smith (5) in the opening over and William Perkins (5) soon after, but Simmons took control, stitching together a crucial partnership with Brian Lara (29 off 34). Simmons’ onslaught saw him reach his century in just 55 balls before falling to Makhaya Ntini in the 18th over. Chadwick Walton provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 38 off 12 balls, ensuring a daunting target for the Proteas.

Defending 200, West Indies Masters’ bowlers, led by Rampaul’s 5 for 26, dismantled South Africa’s chase despite a few promising starts.
The Proteas began well with Richard Levi hammering 44 off 16 balls, but left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn (1/20) removed him early, while Rampaul sent Hashim Amla (3) and captain Jacques Kallis (45 off 36) back to halt their momentum. Jacques Rudolph (39) tried to revive the innings, but once he fell

to Simmons’ bowling, the required rate spiralled out of control.

Rampaul struck again in quick succession, dismissing Dane Vilas (0), Farhaan Behardien (1), and Ryan McLaren (12) to complete his five-wicket haul, restricting South Africa to 171 for 8. (Sportsmax)