Sachin Tendulkar hit seven fours and four magnificent sixes in his rapid 64 off just 33 balls. He faced the Australian attack with unwavering determination, and his innings’ high point was a spectacular straight six off bowler Ben Hilfenhaus. The opposition captain, Watson, referred to the shot as the “shot of the night” after it pleased the supporters and sent him down memory lane.
In a high-scoring International Masters League (IML) 2025 match between the India Masters and Australia Masters, the batting legend turned back time with an incredible display that thrilled a packed BCA Stadium in Vadodara to a vintage Sachin Tendulkar masterclass.
Although Australia Masters won by 95 runs because to undefeated hundreds from captain Shane Watson (110*) and Ben Dunk (132*), Tendulkar’s fluid strokeplay, which included some of his signature strokes, was the main attraction and kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Although we prevailed, I believe Sachin Tendulkar made the game-winning stroke.
I was immediately transported back fifteen years by that straight drive. I believe all the boys were applauding in silence when he hammered that straight drive for six. The cover drive for six and the straight drive for six were the two most notable shots. Sachin was so pleased with that one that he dropped his head down right away, perhaps saying, “I’ve been wanting to play that shot for a while.” After the game, Watson remarked, “Being out there was a treat.”
Fans have had the amazing opportunity to watch some of cricket’s best players return to action during the present IML inaugural season. The final is scheduled for March 16 in Raipur.
“It’s so much fun to be out in the middle again, playing against someone like Sachin Tendulkar and watching him do his thing tonight—it was ridiculously good,” Watson continued, highlighting the tournament’s elite competitiveness. It’s incredible to have the opportunity to bat, play with so many of my close friends from the Australian squad, and be a part of this league. If cricket isn’t entertaining people at home, I don’t know what will be. The quality of cricket has been exceptional.
With Xavier Doherty taking five for 25, the India Masters were bowled out for 174 after chasing a total of 270.
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