IML 2025: Gunaratne and Udana Shine in SL Masters' Victory Over WI Masters
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Synopsis
In an exciting encounter at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, the Sri Lanka Masters triumphed over the West Indies Masters by 21 runs, driven by Asela Gunaratne's half-century and disciplined bowling. Kumar Sangakkara also contributed significantly, as both teams displayed their skills in the International Masters League 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka Masters won by 21 runs.
- Asela Gunaratne scored a solid 64 runs.
- Kumar Sangakkara contributed 47 runs.
- Ashley Nurse took three wickets for the West Indies.
- West Indies Masters fell short, scoring 152 runs.
Vadodara, March 7 (NationPress) The legends of the past shone brightly once more under the floodlights of the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, as the Sri Lanka Masters capitalized on a skillful half-century from Asela Gunaratne and precise death bowling to secure a victory over the West Indies Masters by 21 runs in an exhilarating International Masters League (IML) 2025 match on Thursday.
After being asked to bat on a sluggish pitch, Sri Lanka Masters captain Kumar Sangakkara (47) guided his team from a precarious position with a calculated performance, before Asela Gunaratne (64) stepped up with a resilient half-century to anchor the innings, despite losing wickets frequently, ultimately leading his team to 173/9 in their 20 overs.
The West Indies Masters showcased commendable fielding skills, executing a few run-outs, while star off-spinner Ashley Nurse took advantage of the conditions to claim three key wickets, including the vital one of Sangakkara, who had set the pace for the Sri Lanka Masters with his 42-ball innings that featured six boundaries.
After losing his opening partner Upul Tharanga on just the third ball, Sangakkara teamed up with Lahiru Thirimanne to stabilize the Sri Lanka Masters innings with a 45-run partnership, before adding another 50 runs with Gunaratne for the third wicket.
However, with Nurse instigating a mini-collapse by taking the wickets of Thirimanne, Sangakkara, and Jeevan Mendis, along with the run-out of Chinthaka Jayasinghe, the Sri Lanka Masters found themselves in need of stability after losing half their batting lineup for just 105 runs with over six overs remaining.
Nevertheless, Gunaratne maintained his composure and ensured that the Sri Lanka Masters had enough runs to defend. He utilized his extensive experience to navigate the game effectively, occasionally unleashing powerful shots to reach a 36-ball half-century.
In response, the West Indies Masters had a steady start, led by Dwayne Smith (49), as they reached 65/1 midway through the innings. With the dew settling in, Smith and Narsingh Deonarine (14) capitalized on the conditions, forming a 59-run partnership for the second wicket.
Just when it seemed the Caribbean duo was gaining control, left-arm spinner Chaturanga de Silva intervened by ending Smith's 43-ball stay and executing a clever run-out of Deonarine, reducing the opposition from a comfortable 71/1 to 74/3. Subsequently, Lendl Simmons (37 not out) and Jonathan Carter (17) added a brief 30-run partnership to stabilize the chase before Jeevan Mendis dismissed Carter.
With Simmons and skipper Denesh Ramdin (15 not out) at the crease, the West Indies Masters needed 53 runs off the final 24 balls, still holding some hopes, but the bowlers from the Sri Lanka Masters maintained a tight grip, ultimately restricting them to 152/5.
Summary: Sri Lanka Masters 173/9 (Asela Gunaratne 64, Kumar Sangakkara 47; Ashley Nurse 3-23, Tino Best 2-43) defeated West Indies Masters 152/5 (Dwayne Smith 49, Lendl Simmons 37 not out; Isuru Udana 2-15, Jeevan Mendis 1-6) by 21 runs.
