Sri Lanka Masters vs Australia Masters Match Info
- Match: SLM vs AUSM, 6th Match, International Masters League T20, 2025
- Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
- Time:11:00 PM
- Venue: BCA Stadium, Vadodara
Sri Lanka Masters Squad:
Asela Gunaratne, Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Ashan Priyanjan, Chaturanga de Silva, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Dilruwan Perera, Isuru Udana, Jeevan Mendis, Seekkuge Prasanna, Kumar Sangakkara (c), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal
Australia Masters Squad:
Callum Ferguson, Nathan Reardon, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting, Daniel Christian, Shane Watson (c), Ben Dunk, Peter Nevill, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin, Bryce McGain, James Pattinson, Jason Krejza, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty
International Masters League T20, 2025 – Points Table
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Masters | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +2.461 |
| Sri Lanka Masters | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.691 |
| West Indies Masters | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.579 |
| Australia Masters | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -0.579 |
| South Africa Masters | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.558 |
| England Masters | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4.800 |
Team Analysis & Form Guide
Sri Lanka Masters (SLM)
Current Standing: 2nd (2 points | NRR +0.691)
The Lankan veterans bounced back after a heavy defeat to India Masters, showcasing resilience in their second outing. With Kumar Sangakkara’s tactical leadership and a balanced squad featuring explosive openers (Upul Tharanga) and crafty spinners (Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis), SLM will aim to exploit Vadodara’s spin-friendly conditions. Their pace duo Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep could pose early threats, while Asela Gunaratne’s all-round versatility adds depth.
Australia Masters (AUSM)
Current Standing: 4th (0 points | NRR -0.579)
AUSM’s campaign started with a narrow loss to West Indies Masters, but their star-studded lineup remains dangerous. Shane Watson’s explosive batting and Ben Cutting’s power-hitting can dismantle any attack. Shaun Marsh’s form at the top and Daniel Christian’s death-overs experience are key assets. However, their bowling unit—led by Ben Hilfenhaus and James Pattinson—needs sharper execution after leaking runs in the opener.
Key Battles to Watch
- Watson vs SLM’s Spin Trio: Watson’s ability to dominate spin (Prasanna, Mendis, de Silva) in the middle overs could decide Australia’s momentum.
- Sangakkara vs Pace Fire: The Lankan skipper’s duel against Hilfenhaus/Pattinson’s pace in the powerplay will set the tone.
- Death Overs Showdown: Ben Cutting vs Isuru Udana – both finishers with a knack for clutch performances.
Pitch & Conditions
The BCA Stadium surface traditionally favors batsmen but offers grip for spinners as the game progresses. Dew might play a role in the second innings, making toss crucial. A par score is expected around 160-170.
Predicted XI
SLM: Tharanga, Thirimanne, Sangakkara (c/wk), Gunaratne, Prasanna, Udana, Mendis, Lakmal, Pradeep, de Silva, Dilruwan Perera
AUSM: Watson (c), Marsh, Ferguson, Dunk (wk), Christian, Cutting, Coulter-Nile, Pattinson, Hilfenhaus, Krejza, Doherty
Prediction
- SLM’s Strengths: Spin dominance, Sangakkara’s anchoring, and home-like conditions in India.
- AUSM’s X-Factor: Watson’s all-round brilliance and explosive middle order.
While Australia’s batting firepower is intimidating, Sri Lanka’s spinners are likely to control the middle overs on this track. If Tharanga and Sangakkara build a solid foundation, SLM could edge past AUSM’s inconsistent bowling.
Final Verdict: Sri Lanka Masters to Win in a closely fought contest.
Match Tipping Point: The team winning the toss may opt to bat first to avoid dew-driven challenges. Expect a 12-15 run victory margin favoring SLM if they post 160+.
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