IML 2025 Match 10 Review: Sri Lanka Masters Defeat West Indies Masters

In a thrilling International Masters League (IML 2025) match on Thursday, March 6, the Sri Lanka Masters defeated the West Indies Masters by 21 runs thanks to a cunning half-century from Asela Gunaratne and disciplined death bowling, putting the stars of the past front and centre once more under the floodlights of the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.

The Caribbean team chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and they got off to a great start when Upul Tharanga was dismissed on the third ball of the game. But after the early blow, Sri Lanka recovered admirably, spearheaded by a cool-headed performance from Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 47 off 42 balls to steady the innings.

After the seasoned southpaw set the tone for the Sri Lanka Masters with his 42-ball knock that included six hits to the fence, star off-spinner Ashley Nurse used the conditions well to take three top-order wickets, including the valuable scalp of Sangakkara. The West Indies Masters showed off their exceptional athleticism on the field, causing a couple of run-outs.

IML 2025 Match 10 Review:

Asela Gunaratne was the true game-changer for Sri Lanka, attacking the West Indies bowlers after Lahiru Thirimanne (14) and Jeevan Mendis (12) failed to build on their starts. His 64 off 45 balls, which included two sixes and seven boundaries, helped Sri Lanka win the match.

The West Indies bowlers, headed by Ashley Nurse (3-23) and Tino Best (3-32), held Sri Lanka Masters to 173-9 in 20 overs despite some quick work in the field that resulted in three run-outs.

The West Indies Masters still had some chance with Simmons and captain Denesh Ramdin (15 not out) in the middle, requiring 53 off the last 24 deliveries, but the spinners from Sri Lanka Masters held them tight and ultimately held them to 152/5.

Brief Scores: West Indies Masters 152/5 (Dwayne Smith 49, Lendl Simmons 37 not out; Isuru Udana 2/15, Jeevan Mendis 1/6) were defeated by 21 runs against Sri Lanka Masters 173/9 (Asela Gunaratne 64, Kumar Sangakkara 47; Ashley Nurse 3/23, Tino Best 2/43).

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