In the International Masters League (IML) 2025, Sri Lanka Masters defeated England Masters by a resounding nine wickets. The hero of this victory was Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who smashed an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls, propelling his team to the top of the points table.
Sports News: Captain Kumar Sangakkara's magnificent century on Monday secured a dominant nine-wicket victory for Sri Lanka Masters over England Masters in their final group stage match of the International Masters League (IML) 2025 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. This win propelled Sri Lanka Masters to the top of the points table.
This defeat eliminated England Masters from the tournament's knockout stages, although they have one more match remaining. Having already secured a semi-final berth, the Sri Lanka Masters team displayed confidence and excellent performance under Sangakkara's leadership. Bowling first, Sri Lanka Masters restricted England to a modest 146/5 in 20 overs, a target they easily chased down.
Sangakkara's Explosive Innings Leads to England's Defeat
In this match played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, England Masters, batting first, managed 146/5. In reply, Sri Lanka Masters achieved the target in just 12.5 overs. Kumar Sangakkara's innings featured 19 fours and a six, offering spectators a glimpse of the golden age of cricket.
England's Solid Start Falters
England Masters received a b start from Phil Mustard (50), who formed crucial partnerships with Tim Ambrose (17) and captain Eoin Morgan (10). However, after Mustard's dismissal, England's innings faltered, and the Sri Lankan bowlers staged a remarkable comeback. Tim Bresnan (18*) and Chris Tremlett (14*) played some good shots in the final overs, but they couldn't significantly boost the score. Isuru Udana and Asela Gunaratne took one wicket each for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's Impressive Start
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka Masters began aggressively. Sangakkara and Romesh Kaluwitharana added 76 runs in the first six overs, putting pressure on the England Masters bowlers. However, Dimitri Mascarenhas provided England some respite by dismissing Kaluwitharana (16), but it remained their only success.
Sangakkara's Masterclass Century
Kumar Sangakkara showcased his classic timing and shot selection. He effortlessly struck the ball around the ground, denying the English bowlers any opportunity. Asela Gunaratne (22*) played responsibly alongside Sangakkara, guiding the team to victory with 43 balls remaining. This victory secured Sri Lanka Masters' place in the semi-finals, while England Masters' knockout hopes ended. England now has only a formality of a match left in the tournament.
Brief Scores
England Masters: 146/5 (Phil Mustard 50, Tim Bresnan 18*; Isuru Udana 1/21, Asela Gunaratne 1/21)
Sri Lanka Masters: 150/1 (Kumar Sangakkara 106*, Asela Gunaratne 22*; Dimitri Mascarenhas 1/29)
Sri Lanka Masters won by 9 wickets.
