International Masters League T20 2025: Simmons overshadows Watson’s century, powers West Indies to 7-wicket win
International Masters League T20 2025: Simmons overshadows Watson’s century, powers West Indies to 7-wicket win
Shane Watson’s blistering 48-ball century was upstaged by an even more aggressive unbeaten 94 off 44 balls from Lendl Simmons, as West Indies Masters outclassed Australia Masters by seven wickets in the second match of the International Masters League (IML) at DY Patil Sports Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Monday.
A sizeable crowd was treated to Watson’s trademark strokeplay after Brian Lara won the toss and opted to field. Opening with Ben Dunk (15 off 11), Watson put on 34 runs for the first wicket before forging an 83-run stand with Callum Ferguson (13 off 15). He then added another 54 runs with Daniel Christian (32 off 15), propelling Australia to a formidable total.
Despite losing partners, Watson anchored the innings with a scintillating 52-ball 107, featuring nine fours and as many sixes. He particularly punished left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, smashing 21 runs off the ninth over. Dropped on 80 by Ashley Nurse, he eventually fell to the same bowler. Nurse finished with 3 for 16, while Jerome Taylor and Ravi Rampaul picked up two wickets each.
Chasing, Simmons and Dwayne Smith led the Windies’ charge. Smith smashed a 29-ball 51, packed with 10 fours and a six, before falling. Lara chipped in with a crucial 21-ball 33, sharing a 99-run stand with Simmons, who took control.
Needing 38 off the final three overs, Simmons and Chadwick Walton (23* off 11) struck three boundaries off Christian to ease the pressure before sealing victory with four balls to spare.
Published on Feb 25, 2025
