In a high-scoring thriller at CC 2025, West Indies defeated South Africa by 8 runs to claim a crucial victory in the tournament. The game was filled with explosive batting, intense moments, and a dramatic finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Batting first, West Indies posted a massive 163/5 in 10 overs, thanks to a stunning knock from Brandon King, who remained unbeaten on 67 runs off 25 balls. His innings was packed with clean hitting and smart strike rotation, earning him the Man of the Match award. Nicholas Pooran (44 off 18) also played a fiery cameo, while Jason Holder (12 off 2)* provided a late flourish to push the total beyond 160.
For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 27 runs, while Gerald Coetzee and Aiden Markram chipped in with a wicket each. Despite their efforts, the Caribbean hitters proved too strong in the middle overs.
Chasing 164, South Africa got off to a shaky start as Quinton de Kock was run out for a duck. However, Ryan Rickelton kept the hopes alive with a breathtaking 70 off 26 balls, supported by Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 18 off 7 and Wayne Parnell’s quickfire 22 off 7*. The Proteas seemed down and out at one stage, but a strong lower-order surge brought them back into contention.
Heading into the final over, South Africa needed 29 runs — a near-impossible task. Still, they fought valiantly, bringing down the equation to 14 required off 3 balls and 13 off 2, but the West Indies bowlers held their nerve under pressure. Eventually, South Africa fell short, finishing on 155/5 in 10 overs, handing West Indies an 8-run victory.
It was a match filled with electrifying performances — Brandon King’s masterclass, Rickelton’s brilliance, and a tense final over — making it one of the most entertaining clashes of the CC25 series so far.