IML 2025: Sangakkara's Century Leads Sri Lanka Masters to Victory Over England Masters
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Synopsis
Kumar Sangakkara's stellar century propelled Sri Lanka Masters to a nine-wicket victory against England Masters in the IML 2025, securing the Islanders the top spot in the points table during their final group stage match.
Key Takeaways
- Kumar Sangakkara scored a remarkable century to lead Sri Lanka Masters to victory.
- Sri Lanka Masters achieved a nine-wicket win over England Masters.
- The victory secured Sri Lanka's top position in the points table.
- England Masters were eliminated from knockout contention.
- Phil Mustard contributed significantly with a solid innings for England.
Raipur, March 10 (NationPress) Kumar Sangakkara showcased his timeless talent with a brilliant century, steering Sri Lanka Masters to a decisive nine-wicket win against England Masters. This remarkable victory not only secured the Islanders a top position on the points table but also eliminated England's chances of advancing in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 during the final group stage match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Monday.
The defeat marked the end of England Masters' aspirations for knockout qualification, despite them having one more game left in the competition.
With Sangakkara's squad already assured a semifinal berth, they entered the match filled with confidence. Their choice to bowl first was strategic, as they effectively limited England Masters to a modest score of 146/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Looking to claim the top spot on the leaderboard by chasing the target in under 15.4 overs, Sri Lanka Masters launched a fierce assault. Leading the charge, Sangakkara dazzled with an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls, featuring 19 fours and a six, delivering a stunning exhibition of stroke play.
The legendary left-hander effortlessly dismantled the English bowling lineup, while his opening partner, Romesh Kaluwitharana, provided perfect support, witnessing the fireworks from the other end. Together, they amassed 76 runs during the powerplay, with Sangakkara's impeccable timing and placement suggesting he had never left the arena. Each shot radiated elegance, slicing through gaps with surgical precision and keeping the English bowlers under constant pressure.
As the dew set in, the Islanders showed no signs of slowing down, racing to 108/0 in a mere nine overs, virtually sealing the match's outcome until Dimitri Mascarenhas claimed Kaluwitharana's wicket (16). However, that was the sole highlight for England Masters that evening, as Sangakkara and Asela Gunaratne (22 not out) maintained the momentum, successfully chasing down the target in just 12.5 overs. Sangakkara reached his century with a single and sealed the victory with a six over long-on.
Earlier, England Masters’ Phil Mustard provided a promising start with a brisk 35-ball 50, forming two essential partnerships — 37 runs with skipper Eoin Morgan (10) and another 50-run stand with Tim Ambrose (17). However, just as Mustard seemed poised to accelerate, Sri Lankan bowlers turned the match around, striking regularly and preventing the English middle order from settling.
In the final overs, Tim Bresnan (18 not out) and Chris Tremlett (14 not out) attempted a late surge, contributing valuable runs, but their efforts fell short, leaving England at 146/5.
The Sri Lankan bowling unit, spearheaded by seasoned players like Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal, and Asela Gunaratne, effectively stifled the Englishmen with varied deliveries and astute field placements, thwarting any significant acceleration.
Brief scores:
England Masters 146/5 (Phil Mustard 50, Tim Bresnan 18 not out; Isuru Udana 1/21, Asela Gunaratne 1/21) lost to Sri Lanka Masters (Kumar Sangakkara 106 not out, Asela Gunaratne 22 not out, Romesh Kaluwitharana 16) by 9 wickets.
