IML 2025: Riding on a glorious half-century from star batter Hashim Amla, South Africa Masters secured their first victory in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating England Masters by seven wickets at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Monday.
In a thrilling contest reminiscent of classic encounters from the past, both teams sought their first win after losing their opening matches. Amla anchored South Africa Masters’ pursuit of 158 runs with a carefully curated 90* and was well-supported by Alviro Petersen, who contributed 49 runs, ensuring a smooth chase despite an early setback.
Amla-Petersen Partnership Steadies the Chase
After losing openers Henry Davids (0) and skipper Jacques Kallis (8) early, South Africa Masters found themselves at 38/2. However, Amla and Petersen built a solid partnership, putting England bowlers under pressure. The duo added 113 runs for the third wicket, laying the foundation for a comfortable chase.
Amla reached his half-century in 37 balls, while Petersen fell just one run short of his fifty, scoring 49 off 39 balls. Farhaan Behardien applied the finishing touch with a first-ball boundary, sealing the victory with ease. Amla remained unbeaten on 90 off 57 balls, hitting 12 fours and one six.
Early Strikes Put England on Backfoot
Earlier, South Africa Masters opted to field first and made an immediate impact. Their new-ball duo of Vernon Philander and Garnett Kruger removed England openers Phil Mustard and Ian Bell for ducks, reducing England Masters to 9/2.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Ambrose led England’s fightback with a calculated half-century, finding a reliable partner in skipper Eoin Morgan. The pair stitched together a crucial 73-run stand for the third wicket. Morgan, aggressive from the start, scored 36 off 34 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before falling to the South African attack.
Ambrose held the innings together, reaching his fifty off 41 balls. However, as boundaries dried up, pressure mounted, leading to his dismissal for 53. Darren Maddy (10) struggled to accelerate as South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Makhaya Ntini and Thandi Tshabalala, tightened the screws.
Late Flourish Lifts England Masters
England’s innings appeared to stagnate until Tim Bresnan (11) and Chris Schofield (20*) provided some resistance. Schofield broke the boundary drought with back-to-back sixes off Ntini, and in the final over, Chris Tremlett (19*) smashed three consecutive sixes, pushing England to a respectable 157/6.
Brief Scores:
England Masters: 157/6 (Tim Ambrose 53, Eoin Morgan 36, Chris Schofield 20*; Garnett Kruger 1/23, Vernon Philander 1/29)
South Africa Masters: 159/3 (Hashim Amla 90*, Alviro Petersen 49; Stuart Meaker 2/35)
Result: South Africa Masters won by 7 wickets.
With this win, South Africa Masters have opened their account in IML 2025, while England Masters will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
