IML 2025: Centurions Watson-Dunk Star in Australia Masters' Big Win; Tendulkar's Blistering Knock in Vain as India Masters Suffer First Defeat of Season

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Vadodara, Mar 5: The cricketing gods once again scripted an electrifying contest, but this time, Sachin Tendulkar's masterclass was overshadowed by an Australian onslaught as Australia Masters handed India Masters a 95-run defeat in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Wednesday (March 5).

While the night belonged to Shane Watson and Ben Dunk, who shattered records with an unbeaten 236-run stand, it was Tendulkar's scintillating knock that stole the hearts of the packed stadium, even though it couldn't steer India Masters to victory.

Tendulkar's Vintage Knock in a Lone Battle

Chasing an improbable 270-run target, Tendulkar rolled back the years with a breathtaking 64 off 33 balls, reminiscent of his legendary Desert Storm innings. With his trademark straight drives and wristy flicks on display, the cricketing icon brought up his fifty in just 27 balls, igniting hopes of an improbable chase.

However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end, forcing the 51-year-old maestro to take on the Australian attack single-handedly. His knock, laced with seven fours and four sixes, kept India in the hunt until Xavier Doherty's sharp catch off Daniel Christian's bowling ended the dream innings.

Despite a late flourish from Yusuf Pathan (25 off 15 balls), India Masters eventually folded for 174 in 17.3 overs, falling short by 95 runs.

Doherty's Fifer Seals India Masters' First Loss

Left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty (5/25) produced a magical spell, registering the first five-wicket haul of the tournament, dismantling India's middle order and ensuring that Australia Masters secured their first win of IML 2025.

Watson and Dunk's Record-Breaking Carnage

Earlier, Watson (110* off 52 balls) and Dunk (132* off 53 balls) unleashed absolute carnage, propelling Australia Masters to a colossal 269/1 in 20 overs - the highest total in the tournament so far.

The duo rewrote history with a record 236-run stand for the second wicket, the highest-ever partnership in T20 cricket for that position.

Watson got an early reprieve when Naman Ojha dropped him on 1, and he made India Masters pay dearly, smashing seven sixes and 12 fours en route to his second century of the tournament. Dunk, meanwhile, was even more ruthless, blazing to a 43-ball century-the fastest of the tournament-before finishing with a stunning 132* (53 balls, 12 fours, 10 sixes).

India Masters' bowling unit had no answers to the onslaught, with only Pawan Negi managing a breakthrough, dismissing Shaun Marsh for 22 off 15 balls.

IND vs AUS: A Rivalry That Never Fades

The timing of this clash couldn't have been more poetic, as it came just a day after India's current national team defeated Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai. While that was a moment of triumph, this match was a harsh reminder of Australia's dominance across generations.

Brief Scores: Australia Masters: 269/1 (Shane Watson 110*, Ben Dunk 132*)
India Masters: 174 all out (Sachin Tendulkar 64, Yusuf Pathan 25; Xavier Doherty 5/25). Result: Australia Masters won by 95 runs.