ENG-M vs SL-M, IML 2025: Sri Lanka Masters Knock Out England Masters as Kumar Sangakkara Rolls Back Years

Add as a preferred source on Google

ENG-M vs SL-M, IML 2025: In a vintage display of masterful batting, Kumar Sangakkara turned back the clock with a breathtaking century to lead Sri Lanka Masters to a resounding nine-wicket triumph over England Masters in the International Masters League (IML) 2025.

The dominant win at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Monday propelled Sri Lanka Masters to the top of the points table while officially ending England Masters' hopes of qualifying for the knockouts.

Despite England having one match left, the defeat sealed their fate, leaving them out of contention for the semifinals. Meanwhile, with their qualification already secured, Sri Lanka Masters entered the contest brimming with confidence and executed their plans to perfection, starting with their decision to bowl first.

Opting to field first, Sri Lanka's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, restricting England Masters to a modest 146/5 in their allotted 20 overs. With a chance to clinch the top spot by chasing down the target within 15.4 overs, Sri Lanka Masters wasted no time, launching a ruthless assault on the English bowlers.

Leading the charge, Sangakkara played an innings for the ages, hammering an unbeaten 106 off just 47 deliveries. His knock, adorned with 19 exquisite fours and a six, was a sheer exhibition of timing and placement, leaving the England Masters attack clueless. Opening alongside him, Romesh Kaluwitharana provided steady support, playing second fiddle as the fireworks erupted from the other end.

The duo stormed to 76 runs in the powerplay, with Sangakkara in imperious touch, piercing gaps with clinical precision. As dew settled in, the chase became a mere formality, with the Sri Lankan maestro continuing his onslaught. By the ninth over, the score read 108/0, all but sealing England's fate.

Dimitri Mascarenhas managed to break the opening stand, dismissing Kaluwitharana for 16, but that was the only moment of relief for the English side. Asela Gunaratne (22 not out) ensured there were no further hiccups, complementing Sangakkara to guide Sri Lanka Masters home in just 12.5 overs. Fittingly, Sangakkara reached his century with a single before sealing the victory in style with a six over long-on.

England Masters Struggle to Build Momentum

Earlier, England Masters started brightly, thanks to Phil Mustard's quickfire 50 off 35 balls. He shared two crucial stands-37 runs with captain Eoin Morgan (10) and a 50-run partnership with Tim Ambrose (17). However, just as Mustard looked set to take England to a competitive total, Sri Lanka's bowlers hit back, applying pressure and picking up wickets at regular intervals.

In the latter stages, Tim Bresnan (18 not out) and Chris Tremlett (14 not out) attempted a late push, adding 30 runs between them. However, their contributions were not enough to push England's total beyond 146/5. The disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, featuring experienced campaigners Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal, and Asela Gunaratne, kept England's batters in check with clever variations and precise field placements.

Brief Scores: England Masters 146/5 (Phil Mustard 50, Tim Bresnan 18 not out; Isuru Udana 1/21, Asela Gunaratne 1/21) lost to Sri Lanka Masters 147/1 (Kumar Sangakkara 106 not out, Asela Gunaratne 22 not out, Romesh Kaluwitharana 16) by 9 wickets.