IML 2025: Watson Hits Third Century, Leads Australia Masters to 137-Run Victory
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Synopsis
In a stellar display on March 8, Shane Watson struck his third century in four matches, guiding Australia Masters to a 137-run victory over South Africa Masters in the International Masters League 2025 at BCA Stadium, Vadodara. This triumph marks a significant turnaround for the team in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Shane Watson scored an impressive 122 not out off 61 balls.
- Australia Masters posted a formidable total of 260/1.
- The opening partnership between Watson and Callum Ferguson yielded 186 runs.
- Ben Laughlin was the standout bowler with three wickets.
- South Africa Masters struggled, finishing at 123 runs.
Vadodara, March 8 (NationPress) Shane Watson delivered another commanding performance with the bat in the International Masters League 2025, achieving a century against South Africa Masters at the BCA Stadium on Friday. The captain of Australia Masters showcased his vintage form with a remarkable century — his third in four matches — as he dismantled the South Africa Masters bowling attack, leading his team to a convincing 137-run victory and concluding the Vadodara segment of the tournament in style.
After suffering defeats in their initial two matches, Watson and his teammates revived the essence of the true Australian spirit, securing remarkable wins in their subsequent games.
Batting first, Watson picked up right where he had left off in the prior match against India Masters. With his thunderous pulls and effortless lofted drives, it felt like a nostalgic trip back to his prime, a time when he dominated the biggest stages in world cricket. As he raised his bat in celebration to the roaring crowd at BCA Stadium, fans were transported back to his finest knocks in the Australian jersey.
Teaming up with Callum Ferguson (85 not out) to kick off the Australia Masters innings, Watson nearly took the game from South Africa Masters' grasp as their opening partnership yielded 186 runs in just 15 overs. Watson later joined forces with fellow centurion from the last match, Ben Dunk (34 not out), to add another 74 runs, propelling the side to a colossal total of 260/1.
With nine fours and an equal number of towering sixes, Watson's performance was a testament to sheer dominance, power, and elegance — traits that made him one of the most feared all-rounders of his era.
He initiated the innings with calculated aggression, piercing gaps with sharp drives and fierce cuts before transitioning into his signature big-hitting mode. As the innings unfolded, boundaries flowed rapidly, with Watson muscling the spinners over long-on and dispatching pacers into the stands, thrilling the crowd with every clean strike, finishing with an impressive 122 not out off 61 balls.
In reply, the South Africa Masters faced a dismal start, losing Henry Davids early, and struggled to recover against a disciplined Australia Masters bowling attack.
Hashim Amla managed a quick 30 runs off 19 balls, adorned with seven boundaries, while Richard Levi and Alviro Petersen were the only other batters to provide some resistance, scoring 22 and 28, respectively.
Struggling without their captain Jacques Kallis, who injured himself while trying to take a catch in the first innings and did not bat, the South Africa Masters were eventually limited to 123 runs in 17 overs.
For the Australians, Ben Laughlin was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Xavier Doherty and Bryce McGain each claimed two wickets. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Nathan Reardon also contributed with a wicket each.
Following the conclusion of the Vadodara leg, the tournament moves to Raipur for the final leg, which kicks off on Saturday with the highly anticipated clash between Sachin Tendulkar's India Masters and Brian Lara's West Indies Masters.
Brief scores:
Australia Masters 260/1 (Shane Watson 122 not out, Callum Ferguson 85, Ben Dunk 34 not out) defeated South Africa Masters 123 (Hashim Amla 30, Alviro Petersen 28; Ben Laughlin 3/18, Xavier Doherty 2/23, Bryce McGain 2/25) by 137 runs.
