Shane Watson scored an unbeaten 122 off 61 balls to guide Australia Masters to a mammoth 260-run total. In response, South Africa Masters were dismissed for 123 in 17 overs
Shane Watson rolled back the years with yet another top-notch century —his third in four matches — as the Australia Masters dismantled the South Africa Masters by a resounding 137-run margin in the 11th game of International Masters League 2025 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Friday (March 7). (More Cricket News)
Watson continued from where he left in his team's previous outing against India Masters, teaming up with opening partner Callum Ferguson (85 not out) to plunder 186 runs in 15 overs. He then joined forces with fellow centurion of the previous encounter, Ben Dunk (34 not out), to milk another 74 runs and propel the Aussies to a mammoth total of 260/1.
Watson ended up with an undefeated 122 off 61 balls, studded with nine fours and as many towering sixes.
In response, South Africa Masters got off to a forgettable start, losing Henry Davids cheaply, and could never find themselves back on track against a disciplined Australia Masters bowling attack. Hashim Amla came up with a 19-ball 30, laced with seven boundaries, while Richard Levi and Alviro Petersen were the only other batters to offer some resistance, notching scores of 22 and 28, respectively.
Handicapped by the loss of their skipper Jacques Kallis, who injured himself while attempting a catch in the first innings, and did not turn out to bat, South Africa Masters were eventually dismissed for 123 in 17 overs.
For the Aussies, Ben Laughlin emerged the pick of the bowlers, returning with three wickets while Xavier Doherty and Bryce McGain claimed two wickets apiece. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Nathan Reardon also chipped in with a wicket each.
After the conclusion of the Vadodara leg, the caravan moves to Raipur for the final leg, which begins Saturday with a clash between the Sachin Tendulkar-led India Masters and the Brian Lara-led West Indies Masters.
South Africa Masters won the toss and opted to bowl first against Australia Masters.
South Africa Masters: Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, Jacques Kallis (c), Richard Levi, Alviro Petersen, Jonty Rhodes, Garnett Kruger, Dane Vilas (wk), Ryan McLaren, Thandi Tshabalala, Vernon Philander
Australia Masters: Shane Watson (c), Callum Ferguson, Ben Dunk (wk), Daniel Christian, Nathan Reardon, Ben Cutting, Ben Laughlin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, Bryce McGain, Ben Hilfenhaus
Where is the International Masters League being telecast and live streamed?
The International Masters League is being telecast on the Colors Cineplex TV channels in India. It is being live streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India.