By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
Navi Mumbai, India (26-02-2025) – The DY Patil Stadium witnessed a nostalgic cricketing spectacle as Sri Lanka Masters outclassed South Africa Masters by seven wickets in a high-octane International Masters League 2025 encounter on Wednesday.
Despite a sublime half-century from Hashim Amla, Sri Lanka rode on explosive fifties from Asela Gunaratne and Chinthaka Jayasinghe to chase down 181 with ease.
Chasing a competitive target, Sri Lanka Masters got off to a flying start, thanks to an aggressive 50-run opening stand between skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Upul Tharanga. However, offspinner Thandi Tshabalala turned the tide momentarily, dismissing both openers in quick succession.
The run-out of Lahiru Thirimanne further dented Sri Lanka’s progress, reducing them to 69/3.With the game hanging in the balance, Gunaratne (59* off 30) and Jayasinghe (51* off 23) stepped up, forging a match-winning, unbeaten 114-run partnership.
The duo capitalized on the dew factor, accelerating after a cautious start to take the game away from the South African bowlers. Their clean hitting ensured Sri Lanka Masters crossed the finish line comfortably in just 17.2 overs.
Photo by; Faheem Hussain / Sportzpics for IML
Earlier, South Africa Masters, put in to bat, were propelled by a vintage innings from Amla. The stylish right-hander rolled back the years with a fluent 76 off 53 balls, blending aggression with grace. After a steady 41-run opening stand with Morne van Wyk, Amla found an able partner in Jacques Kallis, with whom he stitched a crucial 65-run stand for the third wicket.
However, Sri Lanka Masters fought back as Chaturanga de Silva dismissed Kallis (24 off 20), and Isuru Udana ended Amla’s resistance just as he looked set for a bigger score.
South Africa found themselves in trouble at 138/4 in the 17th over, but a late flourish from Dane Vilas (28* off 13) and Jacques Rudolph (9) helped them finish at a competitive 180/6.
In the end, Sri Lanka Masters’ clinical chase ensured they had the final say in a game filled with moments of nostalgia and brilliance.
Brief Scores:South Africa Masters 180/6 (Hashim Amla 76, Dane Vilas 28*, Jacques Kallis 24; Chaturanga de Silva 2/28, Isuru Udana 2/44)Sri Lanka Masters 183/3 (Asela Gunaratne 59*, Chinthaka Jayasinghe 51*, Upul Tharanga 29; Thandi Tshabalala 2/32)
Result: Sri Lanka Masters won by 7 wickets