IML 2025: Hashim Amla's Masterclass Helps South Africa Masters Beat England in Vadodara

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IML 2025: South Africa Masters registered their first victory in the International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating England Masters by seven wickets at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Monday.

Hashim Amla delivered a vintage batting masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 90 to steer his team home after early setbacks. Both teams entered the contest desperate for a win after losing their first two games.

England Masters, batting first, struggled early as Vernon Philander and Garnett Kruger sent both openers-Phil Mustard and Ian Bell-back for ducks. Tim Ambrose led England's fightback with a composed 53, forging a crucial 73-run stand with captain Eoin Morgan, who played an aggressive 36 off 34 balls.

However, Makhaya Ntini and Thandi Tshabalala tightened their grip in the middle overs, restricting the scoring rate. With boundaries drying up, both Ambrose and Darren Maddy (10) fell in their attempts to accelerate. Late fireworks from Chris Tremlett (19* off 6) and Chris Schofield (20* off 11) helped England reach 157/6.

In response, South Africa Masters had a shaky start, losing Henry Davids for a duck and captain Jacques Kallis for just 8. At 38/2, Amla and Alviro Petersen took control, stitching together a vital 113-run partnership. Amla's classy 90* off 57 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six, anchored the chase, while Petersen fell agonizingly short of a fifty with 49 off 39 balls.

With just a few runs needed, Farhaan Behardien sealed the win with a first-ball boundary, as South Africa chased down the target with seven wickets in hand.

Brief Scores:

• England Masters: 157/6 (Tim Ambrose 53, Eoin Morgan 36, Chris Schofield 20*; Garnett Kruger 1/23, Vernon Philander 1/29)
• South Africa Masters: 159/3 (Hashim Amla 90*, Alviro Petersen 49; Stuart Meaker 2/35)