Australia Masters Defeat India Masters by 95 Runs in a High-Scoring Thriller
A jam-packed crowd at the BCA Stadium witnessed a vintage Sachin Tendulkar masterclass, but it was the Australia Masters duo of Shane Watson and Ben Dunk who stole the show, leading their side to a commanding 95-run victory over India Masters in the International Masters League 2025. The match saw the Australian pair rack up an unbeaten 236-run partnership, with Watson scoring 110* and Dunk smashing 132*, propelling Australia to a formidable total of 291/1. Despite Tendulkar’s electrifying 33-ball 64, India Masters could only manage 174, with Xavier Doherty claiming figures of 5-25.
Australia Masters Set a Mammoth Total
Australia’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, as Watson and Dunk’s unbeaten partnership set a new benchmark in T20 cricket. Watson, who was reprieved early on after being dropped on one by wicketkeeper Naman Ojha, made India Masters pay with a brilliant knock of 110 from 52 balls. Dunk was equally ruthless, scoring a 53-ball 132, which included 12 fours and 10 sixes, as the duo took full advantage of the field restrictions, with Australia posting a mammoth 291/1.
The Australian openers began with fireworks, with Shaun Marsh hitting a hat-trick of boundaries off Vinay Kumar. Watson was dropped early on, but he and Dunk quickly settled into an aggressive rhythm. While Watson took a more measured approach initially, Dunk blazed to a half-century off just 23 balls, outscoring his captain and eventually reaching his century in just 43 balls — the fastest of the tournament.
India Masters’ Chase Falters Despite Tendulkar’s Brilliance
Chasing a daunting 292 for victory, India Masters received an early boost from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The Master Blaster’s scintillating 64 off just 33 balls — including four sixes and seven fours — lit up the stadium, reminding everyone of his trademark elegance. Tendulkar reached his fifty off just 27 balls, and despite losing wickets at the other end, he kept India’s hopes alive as the side reached 100/3 halfway through the innings.
However, once Tendulkar was dismissed by a stunning catch from Xavier Doherty, India’s hopes dimmed. Yusuf Pathan provided some resistance with a quick-fire 25 off 15 balls, but the required run rate was too high, and the India Masters fell short by 95 runs, eventually being bowled out for 174. Doherty’s 5-25 performance was the highlight of the bowling effort, as he claimed the first fifer of the tournament.
The Rivalry Continues
This high-octane encounter added yet another chapter to the legendary rivalry between India and Australia. The match came just a day after the current Indian team triumphed over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai, adding an extra layer of excitement to the clash. As expected, this face-off didn’t disappoint, delivering fireworks in both batting and bowling departments.
Brief Scores:
Australia Masters 291/1 (Shane Watson 110* off 52, Ben Dunk 132* off 53)
India Masters 174 (Sachin Tendulkar 64, Yusuf Pathan 25; Xavier Doherty 5/25)
Australia Masters won by 95 runs.
