Sri Lanka Masters Triumph Over West Indies Masters in International Masters League T20 2025 Clash

Sri Lanka Masters secured a thrilling 21-run victory over West Indies Masters in the International Masters League T20 2025. Asela Gunaratne starred with a match-winning 64 and an economical bowling spell, guiding SLM to a defendable 173/9. Despite Dwayne Smith’s 49, West Indies Masters fell short, finishing at 152/5. Isuru Udana’s crucial breakthroughs ensured Sri Lanka’s stronghold in the tournament.

Scorecard

Sri Lanka Masters: 173/9 (20 overs) – Gunaratne 64 (45), Sangakkara 47 (42); A Nurse 3/23
West Indies Masters: 152/5 (20 overs) – Dwayne Smith 49 (43), Lendl Simmons 37* (32); Udana 2/15
Result: Sri Lanka Masters won by 21 runs
Player of the Match: Asela Gunaratne

Sri Lanka Masters Outclass West Indies Masters in International Masters League T20 2025

Sri Lanka Masters delivered an impressive performance to register a crucial 21-run victory over West Indies Masters in the 10th match of the International Masters League T20 2025. Led by a brilliant all-round display from Asela Gunaratne, Sri Lanka Masters held their nerve to defend a competitive total of 173 at BCA Stadium, Vadodara.

Gunaratne’s Heroics Propel Sri Lanka Masters to a Defendable Total

Batting first after West Indies Masters opted to bowl, Sri Lanka Masters had a rocky start when Upul Tharanga was run out for a duck in the very first over. However, experienced campaigner Kumar Sangakkara steadied the innings with a fluent 47 off 42 balls. Lahiru Thirimanne and Jeevan Mendis departed cheaply, but it was Gunaratne who turned the tide with a match-winning knock of 64 off just 45 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and two sixes.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka Masters managed to keep the scoreboard ticking. Contributions from Chaturanga de Silva (17*) and Isuru Udana (6) ensured the team reached 173/9 in 20 overs. Extras played a crucial role, with 23 runs coming from wides and no-balls, which provided a much-needed boost to Sri Lanka’s total.

For West Indies Masters, Ashley Nurse was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 23 runs. Jerome Taylor and Tino Best also chipped in, keeping Sri Lanka’s middle order under pressure. However, a late flourish from Gunaratne ensured the Asian side finished on a strong note.

West Indies Masters Falter in Chase Despite Dwayne Smith’s Fireworks

Chasing 174 for victory, West Indies Masters got off to a cautious start, but they were rocked early when Chadwick Walton fell for a duck to Isuru Udana. Dwayne Smith took charge, playing a breathtaking knock of 49 from 43 balls, but his dismissal in the 11th over tilted the match in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Lendl Simmons tried to keep the fight alive with a fluent 37*, but the lack of partnerships hurt the Caribbean side’s chase. Narsingh Deonarine was run out after a slow 14 off 21 balls, while Jonathan Carter managed a quick 17 before falling LBW to Jeevan Mendis. With the required rate mounting, the lower order failed to accelerate, and despite Denesh Ramdin’s 15*, West Indies Masters fell short at 152/5 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowling unit executed their plans well, with Udana and Chaturanga de Silva leading the attack. Udana’s spell of 2/15 in four overs proved to be a game-changer, while Chaturanga de Silva and Jeevan Mendis also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Gunaratne, named Player of the Match, capped off his all-round show with an economical three-over spell that restricted West Indies’ momentum.

Key Moments That Defined the Match

• Gunaratne’s all-round brilliance: His aggressive 64 off 45 balls and a disciplined bowling performance proved vital.

• Sangakkara’s steady knock: The Sri Lankan legend’s composed 47 anchored the innings early on.

• Udana’s crucial breakthroughs: His dismissals of Walton and Nurse shifted the game in Sri Lanka’s favor.

• Smith’s explosive innings cut short: The West Indian opener looked dangerous but fell at a critical juncture.

• West Indies’ middle-order struggles: A lack of acceleration in the final overs sealed their fate.

What This Victory Means for Sri Lanka Masters

With this win, Sri Lanka Masters have further strengthened their position in the International Masters League T20 2025. Their ability to post competitive totals and defend them under pressure highlights their balanced squad. Gunaratne’s return to form adds another dimension to their side, making them serious contenders for the title.

On the other hand, West Indies Masters will need to regroup and find solutions to their middle-order inconsistencies. Their bowling unit showed promise, but the inability to finish chases remains a concern. With key players like Brian Lara and Chris Gayle on the bench, they may look at tactical changes in the upcoming fixtures.

Looking Ahead in the Tournament

Both teams will now shift their focus to their next encounters. Sri Lanka Masters will look to continue their winning momentum, while West Indies Masters must bounce back to stay in contention. The tournament has already provided some thrilling moments, and cricket fans can expect more exciting clashes in the days ahead.