IML 2025 AUS-M vs WI-M: Simmons' 44-ball 94* Helps West Indies Masters Hammer Australia In Big Run Chase; Shane Watson Ton Goes In Vain

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Navi Mumbai, February 24: Shane Watson's scintillating century was outshined by a brutal 44-ball 94* from Lendl Simmons as the West Indies Masters overpowered Australia Masters by seven wickets in a high-scoring thriller at the DY Patil Sports Stadium on Monday (February 24).

The second match of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 continued the trend of big-hitting action, treating fans to an exhibition of power-hitting, led by Watson's blistering 52-ball 107. However, Simmons' counterattack, supported by Dwayne Smith's brisk fifty and a cameo from Brian Lara, ensured West Indies Masters completed the chase with four balls to spare.

Watson Rolls Back the Years with a Blazing Century

Winning the toss, West Indies Masters captain Brian Lara elected to field, a decision that initially seemed costly as Shane Watson displayed his vintage best. The 43-year-old Aussie legend punished the bowlers from the outset, reaching his fifty in just 27 balls and converting it into a century in 48 balls.

Watson stitched crucial partnerships, first with Callum Ferguson (13 off 15) and then Daniel Christian (32 off 15), propelling Australia Masters to a formidable 216/8. The former Australian all-rounder was particularly aggressive against left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, smashing 21 runs in an over.

Despite a dropped catch on 80, Watson's fireworks ended at 107 off 52 balls, featuring nine sixes and nine fours, as he fell to Ashley Nurse. Nurse (3/16) was the pick of the bowlers, while Ravi Rampaul and Jerome Taylor chipped in with two wickets each.

Simmons, Smith, and Lara Lead Windies' Dominant Chase

Facing a daunting target of 217, West Indies Masters' top order delivered under pressure. Although Chris Gayle (11 off 12) fell cheaply, Dwayne Smith's 29-ball 51, laced with 10 boundaries and a six, kept them in the hunt.

Simmons then took charge, unleashing his attacking instincts with an unbeaten 94 off just 44 balls, hammering the Australian bowlers all around the park. The turning point came when Brian Lara (33 off 21) joined him, forming a 99-run third-wicket stand that dismantled the Aussie bowling attack.

Needing 38 off the last three overs, Simmons and Chadwick Walton (23* off 11) ensured there were no hiccups, with Walton's three boundaries off Daniel Christian sealing the chase with ease.

Brief Scores:

Australia Masters 216/8 (Shane Watson 107, Daniel Christian 32; Ashley Nurse 3/16, Ravi Rampaul 2/23). West Indies Masters 220/3 (Lendl Simmons 94*, Dwayne Smith 51, Brian Lara 33, Chadwick Walton 23*)

Result: West Indies Masters won by 7 wickets

Fans can catch the next IML clash between India Masters and England Masters on February 25, live on JioHotstar, Colors Cineplex (SD & HD), and Colors Cineplex Superhits from 7:30 PM IST.