That marks the end of our coverage from the last game of IML 2025 in Vadodara between Australia Masters and South Africa Masters. Australia Masters have won the game by a huge margin of 137 runs. For now, this is Saptak Sanyal signing off on behalf of the scorer/analyst of this game Raju Khariya. Good night.
Shane Watson (Player of the Match and Australia Masters Captain):"We batted well in the first couple of games as well but could win the next two. It's been a good fun in Vadodara. I've been hitting well but a lot of things have gone in my way. A few dropped catches, mishits to be precise. I feel bad to hit Kallis. He is one of my all time heroes.
Really nice time to spend time in the field with Callum Ferguson. Callum got our innings going when I was taking my time. Yeah, it was fun. It is one of the most stunning ground. Environment is good, pitch is high scoring. It is going to be a sad leave!"
Player of the Match: Shane Watson
Power Player of the Match: Callum Ferguson
Most Sixes of the Match: Shane Watson
Time for the post-match presentations.
Jacques Kallis (South Africa Masters Captain):"Yeah let's hope that the right hand is okay. It was a heavy injury and hope it is not broken.
We tried our bit but Watson took the game away. We wish we got closer to the victory but got completely outplayed. Unfortunately we didn't get the partnership going. I think there are a few days where you have to applaud your opposition for playing well. It's been that kind of a day."
10:37 PM IST and Local Time | Australia Masters have got a victory by a mammoth margin of 137 runs. Proteas' innings got wrapped up with just 123 runs on the board.
Shane Watson got a new partner as Callum Ferguson replaced Shaun Marsh in the playing XI. But they only watched a couple of overs before changing the gears. Callum Ferguson was the first one to accelerate then Watson joined him and they took the score to 68 in the powerplay with Ferguson scoring 43 off it.
Then it was Watson show in the middle overs. He kept on hitting the Protea bowlers for fun and catapulted the score. The opening duo took 186 runs in their partnership from 88 balls before Ferguson got out on 85 off 43 balls. Watson was then joined by Ben Dunk. Dunk was not in his best touch today but Watson kept the boundaries going from the other end. Aussie skipper got to his third hundred in this tournament in 52 balls. Watson finished with 122 off 61 balls with 9 fours and as many maximums. Ben Dunk scored an unbeaten 34 off 16 balls.
Alviro Petersen is the only bowler to take a wicket for the South Africa Masters.
In the run chase, South Africa Masters lost their opener Henry Davids cheaply. Hashim Amla then stepped up with a few boundaries but his innings was cut short by Laughlin who bowled a terrific slower to get rid of him. Amla was the top scorer with his 30 off 19 balls. Richard Levi tried to put up a fight back but got out for just 22 off 13 balls.
After the first three batters got out, Alviro Petersen batted for 25 balls but could only gather 28 runs beside his name. His effort was not enough for the Proteas to stay relevant in the run chase. Wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Only Jonty Rhodes could reach the double digit after Alviro Petersen.
For the Australia Masters, Ben Laughlin was the star of the show picking up 3 wickets for 18 runs. He altered the pace and kept hitting the right areas to emerge out being successful. Xavier Doherty and Bryce McGain took a couple of wickets each. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Nathan Reardon took a wicket each.