In a high-scoring thriller at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Sri Lanka Masters defeated Australia Masters by three wickets in the 6th match of the IMLT20 2025. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka faced a formidable total set by the Australian side but managed to chase it down in the final over.

Australia Masters Innings (217/4 in 20 Overs)

Australia Masters put up an impressive 217/4 in their 20 overs, with strong contributions from multiple batters. Shane Watson, leading from the front, scored a quick 16 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Dhammika Prasad. Shaun Marsh played a solid knock of 77 off 49 deliveries, anchoring the innings with a blend of aggression and stability.

The standout performance came from Ben Dunk, who smashed 56 off 29 balls, maintaining a strike rate of over 193. Daniel Christian (34 off 22) played a crucial middle-order role, while Nathan Reardon (19 off 9) and Ben Cutting (19 off 7) provided the finishing touches with some explosive hitting.

Sri Lanka Masters’ bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batting lineup. Isuru Udana (1/47), Dhammika Prasad (1/51), Chaturanga de Silva (1/46), and Asela Gunaratne (1/37) each took a wicket, but none could apply sustained pressure. Australia raced to 121/2 by the 12th over and finished with a strong total.

Sri Lanka Masters Innings (222/7 in 19.2 Overs)

Chasing a massive 218, Sri Lanka Masters got off to a steady but shaky start. Veteran opener Upul Tharanga led from the front with a brilliant 102 off 54 balls, smashing 8 fours and 6 sixes to keep the chase alive. His knock kept Sri Lanka in the hunt despite losing wickets at crucial moments.

Captain Kumar Sangakkara (2 off 5 balls) was dismissed early, failing to make an impact. Lahiru Thirimanne contributed a well-paced 53 off 34 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Tharanga that took Sri Lanka to 166/2 in the 15th over.

However, a middle-order collapse followed. Asela Gunaratne (4 off 5), Chinthaka Jayasinghe (0), and Isuru Udana (15 off 6) fell in quick succession, putting the team under pressure. But Jeevan Mendis (7 off 4) and Chaturanga de Silva (6 off 10) kept their composure to see the team over the line with four balls to spare.

Australia Masters’ bowlers tried their best to defend the target but struggled against Tharanga’s onslaught. Ben Laughlin (3/35) was the pick of the bowlers, while Daniel Christian (2/52) and Xavier Doherty (1/44) also chipped in. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Ben Hilfenhaus were expensive, conceding 32 and 41 runs, respectively.

IMLT20: Key Moments of the Match

• Shaun Marsh’s 77 and Ben Dunk’s 56 set up a strong total for Australia Masters.
• Upul Tharanga’s century (102 off 54) single-handedly drove Sri Lanka’s chase.
• Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse created tension in the final overs before Mendis and Chaturanga sealed the victory.
• Ben Laughlin’s three wickets nearly turned the game in Australia’s favor, but the target proved too little in the end.

Conclusion:

Sri Lanka Masters pulled off a thrilling win, chasing down 218 with just three wickets in hand. Tharanga’s masterclass innings and Sri Lanka’s ability to accelerate at key moments helped them edge past Australia in a nail-biting contest. With this victory, Sri Lanka Masters gained crucial points in the IMLT20.

This match showcased vintage performances from former international stars, reminding fans of their brilliance on the field. The tournament now moves forward with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the standings.

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