In the 6th match of the International Masters League T20 played at Vadodara’s Kottambi Stadium, Sri Lanka Masters defeated Australia Masters by 3 wickets.
In this high-scoring match, Upul Tharanga’s (102) explosive innings gave Sri Lanka a historic win. Australia batted first and scored a big score of 217/4, but Sri Lanka scored 222/7 in 19.2 overs to register a thrilling win.
In the 1st Inning Australia’s explosive batting, but bowlers failed
Australia Masters’ batting was excellent. Shaun Marsh (77) and Ben Dunk (56) scored runs at a tremendous strike rate. Daniel Christian (34) and Ben Cutting (19*) also batted briskly to take the team to a strong score of 217/4.
Top scorers of Australia Masters:
- Shaun Marsh – 77 runs (49 balls, 7 fours, 5 sixes)
- Ben Dunk – 56 runs (29 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes)
- Daniel Christian – 34 runs (13 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes)
- Ben Cutting – 19* runs (7 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes)
- Shane Watson – 16 runs (13 balls, 3 fours)
Best bowlers of Sri Lanka Masters:
- Isuru Udana – 4 overs, 47 runs, 1 wicket
- Dhammika Prasad – 4 overs, 45 runs, 1 wicket
- Asela Gunaratne – 4 overs, 37 runs, 1 wicket
- Chaturanga de Silva – 3 overs, 46 runs, 1 wicket
Tharanga’s century, Sri Lanka did wonders in the last over!
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka Masters made a strong start. Upul Tharanga (102) and Lahiru Thirimane (53) put the team in a strong position. However, Australian bowlers tried to make a comeback, but in the end Chaturanga de Silva (6*) played the winning shot and gave Sri Lanka a 3-wicket win.
Top scorers of Sri Lanka Masters:
- Upul Tharanga – 102 runs (54 balls, 8 fours, 6 sixes)
- Lahiru Thirimane – 53 runs (34 balls, 7 fours, 1 six)
- Isuru Udana – 15 runs (6 balls, 2 sixes)
- Seekuge Prasanna – 16 runs (7 balls, 2 fours, 1 six)
- Chaturanga de Silva – 6* runs (1 ball, 1 six)
Best bowlers of Australia Masters:
- Ben Laughlin – 4 overs, 35 runs, 3 wickets
- Daniel Christian – 4 overs, 65 runs, 2 wickets
- Ben Hilfenhaus – 4 overs, 41 runs, 1 wicket
- Xavier Doherty – 3.2 overs, 44 runs, 1 wicket
Upul Tharanga’s brilliant innings, Sri Lanka Masters made a great comeback!
With this victory, Sri Lanka Masters strengthened their position in the tournament. Upul Tharanga was chosen as the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant century innings. At the same time, Australia Masters’ bowlers looked under pressure, which led to the team’s defeat. Now both the teams will prepare their strategy for the next matches.
