IND-M vs AUS-M Highlights: In a thrilling encounter of the International Master League (IML) 2025, Australia Masters handed India Masters a crushing 95-run defeat. Despite a blazing half-century by Sachin Tendulkar in just 27 balls, India’s middle and lower order collapsed, leading to a disappointing loss.
Shane Watson and Ben Dunk’s Explosive Knocks Power Australia to 269 Runs
The match was held at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, where India Masters’ captain Sachin Tendulkar won the toss and elected to bowl first. However, Australia’s batters launched a relentless assault on the Indian bowling lineup.
- Shane Watson (110 off 52 balls) and Ben Dunk (132 off 53 balls) smashed the Indian bowlers all around the park, propelling Australia Masters to a mammoth total of 269/1 in 20 overs.
- The Indian bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Pawan Negi (1/45) being the only wicket-taker, dismissing Shaun Marsh (22).
Sachin’s Blazing Start in Vain as India’s Batting Lineup Collapses
Chasing a massive target of 270, India Masters got off to a flying start, thanks to their legendary captain Sachin Tendulkar, who scored a blistering 64 off 33 balls, reaching his half-century in just 27 deliveries. However, his dismissal triggered a dramatic batting collapse.
- Naman Ojha (19), Saurabh Tiwari (1), Irfan Pathan (11), and Yusuf Pathan (25) failed to provide any resistance.
- India Masters were bowled out for just 174 in 17.3 overs.
- Xavier Doherty (5/25 in 4 overs) spun a web around India’s batters, securing the first five-wicket haul in IML 2025.
Match Highlights:
✅ Australia Masters – 269/1 (20 overs)
- Shane Watson – 110 (52)
- Ben Dunk – 132 (53)
- Pawan Negi – 1/45
✅ India Masters – 174 All Out (17.3 overs)
- Sachin Tendulkar – 64 (33)
- Yusuf Pathan – 25 (19)
- Xavier Doherty – 5/25 (4 overs)
INDIA MASTERS PLAYING XI:
Sachin Tendulkar (C), Naman Ojha (WK), Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Saurabh Tiwari, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Yusuf Pathan, Stuart Binny, Abhimanyu Mithun, Rahul Sharma, Vinay Kumar.
AUSTRALIA MASTERS PLAYING XI:
Shane Watson (C), Shaun Marsh, Ben Dunk (WK), Daniel Christian, Nathan Reardon, Ben Cutting, Ben Laughlin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, Bryce McGain, Ben Hilfenhaus.
Although Sachin Tendulkar’s explosive knock brought excitement to the match, India Masters’ middle order failed to capitalize. With exceptional batting and bowling performances, Australia Masters secured their first victory in IML 2025. India Masters, on the other hand, will need to learn from this defeat and come back stronger in the upcoming matches.
