SA Champions win bowl-out thriller after tie vs West Indies
In a rain-affected Legends League World Championship match filled with drama, South Africa Champions emerged victorious over West Indies Champions through a bowl-out after the game ended in a nail-biting tie. The contest, held on Friday, was reduced to 11 overs per side due to weather. Both teams showcased their veteran prowess, but it was South Africa, led by AB de Villiers, who held their nerve in the end.
West Indies post 79/5 in shortened innings
Opting to bat first, West Indies Champions, under the leadership of Chris Gayle, posted 79/5 in 11 overs. Lendl Simmons scored a fluent 28 off 21. Chadwick Walton anchored the innings with an unbeaten 27 off 21. Dwayne Bravo added 8 off 5.
South Africa’s bowlers were sharp and disciplined
Aaron Phangiso impressed with 2/19 in 3 overs. Hardus Viljoen and JJ Smuts picked up a wicket each, slowing West Indies in the middle overs. Duminy’s brilliance forces a tie. Chasing a revised target of 81 runs via DLS, South Africa reached 80/6 in 11 overs, resulting in a tie. Sarel Erwee laid the foundation with 27 off 18. JP Duminy, displaying his class under pressure, remained not out on 25 off 12, and was later named Player of the Match.
West Indies bowlers made it tough
Fidel Edwards took 2/21. Sheldon Cottrell bagged 2/16, while Sulieman Benn was economical with 1/6 in 2 overs.
Bowl-out: South Africa seal the win
With the match tied, a bowl-out was held to determine the winner. South Africa hit the stumps on their last two deliveries, holding their nerve in crunch moments. West Indies failed to hit the stumps in their first four attempts, handing the victory to the Proteas Legends. This dramatic finish handed South Africa Champions the crucial 2 points in the group stage.
Legends light up the league
The match featured icons like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Keiron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, JP Duminy, and Hashim Amla, giving fans a nostalgic treat. Despite rain interruptions, the game delivered high-quality entertainment and showcased the timeless talent of cricket’s greatest.
South Africa now looks to carry their momentum forward, while West Indies will aim to bounce back in their next outing in the Legends League World Championship.
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