Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliant 64 went in vain as Australia Masters defeated India Masters by 95 runs in a thrilling International Masters League encounter. Shane Watson and Ben Dunk’s record-breaking partnership stole the show.
Tendulkar’s Sparkling Fifty Overshadowed: Australia Masters Dominate India in Thrilling T20 Clash
A Classic Rivalry Reignited
The age-old cricketing rivalry between India and Australia exploded back onto the scene at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. A packed house witnessed a nostalgic masterclass from Sachin Tendulkar, but his efforts were ultimately eclipsed by a dominant Australian Masters performance, resulting in a commanding 95-run victory for the Aussies—their first win in the International Masters League 2025.
Tendulkar’s Resurgent Display
Faced with a challenging chase, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar delivered a performance reminiscent of his prime. His 33-ball 64 was a breathtaking display of timing and power, showcasing his signature straight drives and elegant late cuts. He reached his half-century in just 27 balls, a testament to his enduring class. Despite wickets tumbling around him, Tendulkar stood firm, smashing four towering sixes and seven boundaries. His innings briefly kept India Masters in the hunt, taking them to 100/3 midway through the chase. However, his valiant innings ended when Xavier Doherty took a stunning catch off Daniel Christian’s bowling, silencing the captivated crowd.
Australia’s Unbreakable Partnership
Before India could fully capitalize on Tendulkar’s heroics, Australia Masters had already set an imposing target. The opening partnership between Shane Watson and Ben Dunk was a lesson in destructive batting, culminating in a record-breaking, unbeaten 236-run stand for the second wicket—the highest ever in T20 cricket history.
Dunk, batting at number three, immediately announced his presence with a massive six over midwicket. He and Watson orchestrated a whirlwind of boundaries and sixes, surpassing 100 runs in a mere eight overs. Watson, the veteran, calmly reached his century in 47 balls, while Dunk, even more aggressively, smashed his century in a phenomenal 43 balls—the fastest of the tournament. Watson finished unbeaten on 110 (52 balls, 12 fours, 7 sixes), and Dunk’s brutal 132* (53 balls, 12 fours, 10 sixes) propelled Australia to an imposing 269/1.
India’s Fightback and Doherty’s Dominance
Despite Tendulkar’s brilliance and a quickfire 25 from Yusuf Pathan (15 balls), India Masters couldn’t overcome the daunting target. The required run rate proved insurmountable, resulting in their first defeat of the tournament. However, their earlier victories had already secured their place in the knockout stages.
Xavier Doherty’s exceptional bowling performance played a crucial role in Australia’s victory. He claimed a magnificent 5/25, the first five-wicket haul of the competition, consistently troubling the India Masters batsmen with pinpoint accuracy and control.
A Rivalry For The Ages
This match served as a powerful reminder of the enduring rivalry between India and Australia. The contest rekindled the spirit of these legendary players, adding another chapter to their storied history. Interestingly, this match followed India’s narrow victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, highlighting the enduring intensity of this legendary cricketing battle.
Conclusion
Australia Masters showcased their dominance with record-breaking partnerships and exceptional bowling. While Tendulkar’s magnificent innings will be remembered, Australia’s sheer firepower proved too much to overcome. This enthralling match provided a captivating spectacle, adding another unforgettable chapter to the enduring narrative of these two cricketing giants.
Reference: WCric