In Vadodara, India, a big crowd enjoyed the first match of the International Masters League 2025. Sri Lanka Masters scored a thrilling victory against Australia Masters thanks to an amazing 51-ball century by Upul Tharanga and a powerful half-century from Lahiru Thirimanne.
Chasing a target of 218 runs, Sri Lanka Masters had a shaky start when star player Kumar Sangakkara got out early. However, Tharanga and Thirimanne teamed up for a fantastic 153-run partnership, showcasing their classic cricket skills. Tharanga started slowly but then hit big shots, scoring his fifty runs in just 31 balls. After getting a lucky break on 83, Tharanga exploded into action, punishing the Australian bowlers.
Thirimanne also found his rhythm, scoring his fifty runs with a boundary while batting sensibly. Just when it seemed like Sri Lanka was going to win easily, Australia fought back with some key wickets. Ben Laughlin managed to take three wickets in quick succession, keeping Australia in the game.
As the match heated up, Sri Lanka needed 35 runs from 3 overs when Isuru Udana scored some quick runs off Christian. In a tense finish, Sri Lanka required 16 runs from the last 12 balls. Jeevan Mendis and Seekkuge Prasanna did well, but Chaturanga de Silva finished the match with a six, leading Sri Lanka Masters to a thrilling victory.
Before the match, cricket legends gathered with Kumar Sangakkara inviting Shane Watson to bat for Australia. Watson and Shaun Marsh started slowly but soon began scoring quickly. Watson hit three boundaries off Isuru Udana but got out soon after, leaving Marsh and Ben Dunk to build a solid partnership of 102 runs. Dunk scored 56 runs, while Marsh dazzled the crowd with a powerful 77 off 49 balls.
In the end, Australia Masters set a strong target of 217 runs. Sri Lanka Masters chased it down, scoring 222 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.
Final Scores: Australia Masters – 217/4 in 20 overs
Sri Lanka Masters – 222/7 in 20 overs
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