Sachin Tendulkar’s valiant 64-run knock went in vain as Australia Masters outclassed India Masters by a massive 95-run margin in their International Masters League clash.
Chasing a daunting 270-run target, India faltered under pressure, managing only 174 in their 20 overs. Tendulkar’s blistering 33-ball innings, featuring seven boundaries and four towering sixes, was the lone bright spot for the team. Yusuf Pathan added a quickfire 25 off 15 balls, striking three fours and a six, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to fire.
Australia’s dominance began with the bat as skipper Shane Watson (110*) and Ben Dunk (132*) produced a record-breaking unbeaten 236-run stand for the second wicket, powering their side to a mammoth 269/1 in 20 overs. Dunk was particularly destructive, hammering 10 sixes and 12 fours in his 53-ball carnage, while Watson’s 52-ball knock was laced with 12 boundaries and seven maximums.
Despite Tendulkar’s lone resistance, India lost wickets at regular intervals, losing momentum after reaching 100/3 at the halfway mark. Australia’s spin wizard Xavier Doherty wreaked havoc with figures of 5/25 in four overs, while Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin, Bryce McGain, Dan Christian, and Nathan Reardon chipped in with a wicket each.
Though this was India Masters’ first defeat in four matches, it did not affect their tournament progress, as they had already secured a semifinal berth.
Brief Scores:
Australia Masters: 269/1 in 20 overs (Ben Dunk 132*, Shane Watson 110*)
India Masters: 174 all out in 20 overs (Sachin Tendulkar 64, Yusuf Pathan 25; Xavier Doherty 5/25)
Result: Australia Masters won by 95 runs.
