Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the BCA Stadium, Sachin Tendulkar's impressive 64 runs were overshadowed by Shane Watson and Ben Dunk's unbeaten centuries, leading Australia Masters to a commanding victory over India Masters by 95 runs in the International Masters League 2025.Key Takeaways
- Sachin Tendulkar scored 64 runs off 33 balls for India Masters.
- Shane Watson and Ben Dunk both scored unbeaten centuries for Australia Masters.
- Xavier Doherty took 5 wickets for 25 runs.
- Australia Masters set a total of 269 runs.
- India Masters lost their first match of the tournament by 95 runs.
Vadodara, March 5 (NationPress) A full-house audience witnessed a classic performance by Sachin Tendulkar for the India Masters, as the Australia Masters duo of Shane Watson and Ben Dunk dominated the game, leading their team to its inaugural victory in the International Masters League 2025 at the BCA Stadium on Wednesday. Watson scored an impressive 110 not out and Dunk amassed 132 not out, propelling Australia to a total of 291/1. Meanwhile, Xavier Doherty shone with the ball, taking 5 wickets for just 25 runs, as the India Masters crumbled for 174, resulting in a loss by 95 runs.
This memorable clash is one that has resonated throughout cricket history, captivating fans for generations, and it played out once more on Wednesday in Vadodara.
Tendulkar evoked memories of his legendary Desert Storm innings in Sharjah, blazing a quickfire 64 runs off just 33 balls, which set the tone for India Masters’ chase. His exquisite late cuts and powerful straight drives showcased his fearless approach against the Australian bowlers, as he reached his fifty in a mere 27 balls, reminding everyone of his enduring legacy in Indian cricket.
Even as wickets fell around him, Tendulkar fought valiantly, hitting four sixes and seven fours, leading India Masters to 100/3 at the halfway mark. The crowd was stunned when Xavier Doherty took a catch off Daniel Christian, marking Tendulkar's departure. Following him, Yusuf Pathan contributed a brisk 25 runs off 15 balls, igniting hopes for a fourth consecutive win for India Masters, who had already secured a spot in the knockouts.
However, as the required run rate escalated, the challenge grew daunting, and India Masters ultimately fell 95 runs short, marking their first defeat of the tournament. For Australia, the left-arm spinner Doherty (5-25) was the standout bowler, achieving the tournament's first five-wicket haul.
Earlier, Dunk and Watson combined brilliantly, forming an unbeaten partnership of 236 runs — the highest second-wicket partnership in T20 cricket history — enabling Australia Masters to reach a commanding 269/1. Watson, who was dropped on one by wicketkeeper Naman Ojha, capitalized on the error, scoring his second century of the tournament, while Dunk followed suit just four balls later, compounding the woes for the home team.
The match was filled with thrilling moments as Shaun Marsh initiated the innings with three consecutive boundaries off Vinay Kumar before Watson was dropped. The Australian pair seized the opportunity, racing to 28 runs in the first three overs until leg-spinner Rahul Sharma came in and slowed their momentum.
Sharma, fresh off a hat-trick in the previous game against South Africa Masters, managed to keep the pressure on, leading to Pawan Negi claiming the first wicket for India Masters, dismissing Marsh for 22 runs off just 15 balls. This moment proved to be the only highlight for India Masters on an otherwise dismal day.
Dunk, coming in at No.3, quickly made an impact with a towering six over midwicket and teamed up with Watson to accelerate the scoring. The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman outpaced his captain, reaching fifty off just 23 balls, while Watson, opting for a more cautious approach, hit consecutive sixes off Sharma to reach his fifty in 29 balls.
Rekindling memories of their prime, the Australian duo primarily utilized fours and sixes, propelling their partnership beyond a hundred within just eight overs.
Throughout their innings, Watson and Dunk exhibited the form of players at their peak, with Watson eventually scoring 100 runs off 47 balls, and Dunk surpassing him with a record-breaking 43-ball century — the fastest of the tournament. By the end, the duo finished unbeaten, with Watson scoring 110 off 52 balls, featuring 12 fours and seven sixes, while Dunk’s innings of 132 off 53 balls included 12 boundaries and 10 massive sixes.
This gripping encounter was even more noteworthy as it followed the current Indian team's victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai just a day prior, highlighting the enduring nature of this storied rivalry.
Brief scores:
Australia Masters 269/1 (Shane Watson 110 not out, Ben Dunk 132 not out) defeated India Masters 174 (Sachin Tendulkar 64, Yusuf Pathan 25; Xavier Doherty 5/25) by 95 runs.
