A jam-packed BCA Stadium in Vadodara was treated to a nostalgic masterclass as Sachin Tendulkar rolled back the years with a breathtaking display in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 match between India Masters and Australia Masters. While Shane Watson (110*) and Ben Dunk (132*) powered Australia Masters to a convincing 95-run win, it was Tendulkar’s strokeplay that stole the show, reminding the fans of his glorious past.
Tendulkar’s 64 from 33 balls was peppered with seven boundaries and four towering sixes. The highlight was when he struck a breathtaking straight six off Ben Hilfenhaus, a shot that created waves of nostalgia around the stadium. Even opposition captain Watson couldn’t help but praise the execution, terming it the “shot of the night.”
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“We had won the game, but Sachin’s straight drive reminded me of 15 years ago in an instant. The manner in which he hit that six—pure class. All the lads in the dugout were clapping silently. Another highlight was that cover drive for six. You could see the smile on his face; it was like he had been waiting to play that shot for some time. It was a treat to watch,” Shane Watson said after the game.
The IML has been a thrilling show, providing followers with a glimpse of cricketing legends in action once again. With the decider to be played in Raipur on March 16, the tournament has fulfilled its promise, combining nostalgia with competitive cricket.
Looking back at the tournament, Shane Watson further stated, “It’s amazing to be out there on the field, particularly playing against someone like Sachin. Seeing him in full flow was absurd. The standard of cricket has been excellent, and if this doesn’t amuse the fans, I don’t know what does.”
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Even with Tendulkar’s genius, India Masters failed in their pursuit of 270, getting bowled out for 174, as Xavier Doherty tore apart the batting lineup with an excellent 5 for 25.
