Sri Lanka Masters vs Australia Masters Preview & Prediction

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

1. 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.
2. Sangakkara vs Pace Fire: The Lankan skipper’s duel against Hilfenhaus/Pattinson’s pace in the powerplay will set the tone.
3. 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+.