IML 2025: Australia Masters Edge Past England Masters to Set Up Semifinal Clash with India Masters

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IML 2025: Australia Masters secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over England Masters in the final group-stage match of the International Masters League (IML) 2025, setting up a high-stakes semifinal against India Masters on Thursday.

The win at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium ensured Australia finished third in the standings, booking a knockout showdown with the second-placed Indian side.

Chasing a stiff 210, Australia Masters reshuffled their batting order, a move that paid dividends. Openers Shaun Marsh (20 off 12) and Daniel Christian (61 off 28) laid the foundation with a fiery 52-run stand, with Christian leading the charge with seven boundaries and four sixes.

Nathan Reardon took over with a blistering 83 off 39 balls, propelling Australia past the 100-run mark. Despite a five-wicket haul from Tim Bresnan, Australia held their nerve, with skipper Shane Watson finishing the job with five balls to spare.

Earlier, England Masters posted an imposing 209/3, courtesy of Eoin Morgan's rapid 64 and Tim Ambrose's unbeaten 69. Morgan's 76-run stand with Phil Mustard (17) set the tone before he combined with Ambrose for another crucial partnership. Darren Maddy's quickfire 29 and Bresnan's late cameo (18* off 8) ensured England crossed the 200-run mark.

With this win, Australia Masters now face India Masters in the first semifinal on Thursday, while Sri Lanka Masters will take on West Indies Masters in the second semifinal on Friday.

Brief Scores:

• England Masters 209/3 (Tim Ambrose 69*, Eoin Morgan 64, Darren Maddy 29)
• Australia Masters 210/7 (Nathan Reardon 83, Daniel Christian 61, Peter Nevill 28; Tim Bresnan 5/45)
• Result: Australia Masters won by 3 wickets.