IML: Lendl Simmons' Masterclass Leads West Indies Masters to 7 Wicket Victory Over Australia Masters
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match on Feb 24, Lendl Simmons' explosive 94 not out helped the West Indies Masters defeat the Australia Masters by 7 wickets in the IML at DY Patil Stadium. Shane Watson's impressive century was not enough to secure a win for Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Lendl Simmons scored a stunning 94 not out.
- Shane Watson contributed with a brilliant century.
- The match featured high-scoring partnerships.
- West Indies Masters chased down a target of 217.
- Ashley Nurse was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies.
Navi Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Lendl Simmons delivered an explosive 44-ball unbeaten 94 that eclipsed Shane Watson's 48-ball century, leading the West Indies Masters to a commanding victory over the Australia Masters by 7 wickets in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) at the DY Patil Sports Stadium.
Continuing the streak of high-scoring encounters in the IML, the enthusiastic crowd at the stadium enjoyed Watson’s trademark shots, evoking memories as West Indian legend Brian Lara opted to field after winning the toss.
The 43-year-old Watson displayed no signs of retirement, mercilessly attacking the West Indies bowlers to reach his half-century in just 27 balls, and took another 21 deliveries to complete his second fifty. Watson was pivotal in several substantial partnerships that set up a formidable target.
Watson, who opened the innings alongside Ben Dunk (15 off 11 balls), initiated a 34-run partnership before joining forces with Callum Ferguson (13 off 15) to create an 83-run partnership for the second wicket. He also shared a 54-run collaboration for the third wicket with Daniel Christian (32 off 15), establishing a massive score for the Australians.
Despite losing partners, Watson remained at the crease, propelling the Australian innings forward. He particularly targeted left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, hitting him for a couple of sixes and as many fours, accumulating 21 runs from the 9th over of the innings.
Watson, who was dropped on 80 by Ashley Nurse, eventually fell to the same bowler, but not before scoring 107 runs off 52 balls, featuring nine fours and nine sixes.
Nurse stood out among the Windies bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 3-16, while Jerome Taylor and Ravi Rampaul claimed two wickets each.
In reply, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Smith both notched up quick fifties to spearhead the West Indies Masters' chase, with the iconic Brian Lara contributing a brisk 21-ball 33, significantly boosting the innings with a 99-run third wicket alliance with Simmons.
Earlier, opening alongside the explosive Chris Gayle, who scored just 11 runs off 12 balls, Smith took charge with a stylish 29-ball 51, featuring 10 boundaries and a six, before Simmons took over with a fearless half-century.
With 38 runs needed from the last three overs, Simmons and wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton (23 not out off 11 balls) struck three boundaries off Daniel Christian, reducing the target by 17 runs before finishing off the chase with plenty of boundaries, sealing victory with four balls to spare.
Brief Scores: Australia Masters 216/8 (Shane Watson 107, Daniel Christian 32; Ashley Nurse 3/16, Ravi Rampaul 2/23) lost to West Indies Masters (Lendl Simmons 94 not out, Dwayne Smith 51, Brian Lara 33, Chadwick Walton 23 not out) by 7 wickets.
