IML 2025: Gunaratne, Jayasinghe Power Sri Lanka Masters to Victory Over South Africa Masters

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IML 2025: Under the dazzling floodlights of DY Patil Stadium, cricket fans were treated to a nostalgic spectacle as Sri Lanka Masters secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa Masters in the International Masters League 2025 on Wednesday.

Despite a sublime half-century from Hashim Amla, Sri Lanka's chase was powered by explosive knocks from Asela Gunaratne and Chinthaka Jayasinghe, who guided their team home in emphatic fashion.

Chasing a stiff target of 181, Sri Lanka Masters got off to a brisk start, courtesy of Kumar Sangakkara and Upul Tharanga, who put together a solid 50-run opening stand. However, South Africa hit back quickly as off-spinner Thandi Tshabalala dismissed both openers in quick succession, followed by Lahiru Thirimanne's run-out, which left Sri Lanka struggling at 69/3.

With the chase hanging in the balance, Gunaratne (59*) and Jayasinghe (51*) took charge, displaying remarkable composure before shifting gears. They capitalized on the dew factor, accelerating in the latter half of their partnership. Gunaratne reached his half-century in just 30 balls, while Jayasinghe raced to his in only 23 deliveries. Their unbeaten 114-run stand saw Sri Lanka cruise to victory in just 17.2 overs, sealing a crucial win in the league.

Earlier, South Africa Masters posted a competitive 180/6 after being put in to bat. Amla rolled back the years with a vintage knock, crafting a sublime 76 off 53 balls. His innings, laced with six boundaries and four sixes, provided a steady foundation for South Africa.

Opening alongside Morne van Wyk, Amla set the tone with a 41-run stand before forming a crucial 65-run partnership with Jacques Kallis (24). Their effortless strokeplay rekindled memories of their prime, pushing South Africa past the 100-run mark. However, left-arm spinner Chaturanga de Silva broke the stand by dismissing Kallis, followed by Isuru Udana removing Amla, which dented South Africa's momentum.

At 138/4 in the 17th over, the innings needed a late surge, which came from Dane Vilas' quick-fire 28* off 13 balls, along with Jacques Rudolph's nine-run cameo. Their 30-run partnership helped South Africa reach 180/6, but it ultimately wasn't enough to stop Sri Lanka's determined chase.

Score Summary:

South Africa Masters - 180/6 (Hashim Amla 76, Dane Vilas 28*, Jacques Kallis 24; Chaturanga de Silva 2/28, Isuru Udana 2/44)
Sri Lanka Masters - 183/3 (Asela Gunaratne 59*, Chinthaka Jayasinghe 51*, Upul Tharanga 29; Thandi Tshabalala 2/32)

Result: Sri Lanka Masters won by 7 wickets.