In a thrilling showdown at the DY Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the International Masters League witnessed a remarkable contest as the West Indies Masters triumphed over the Australia Masters by seven wickets. This match, held on Monday, showcased an exceptional performance from Lendl Simmons, whose unbeaten 94 off just 44 deliveries was pivotal in steering his team to victory. His innings was complemented by Shane Watson's explosive century, which, despite its brilliance, could not secure a win for the Australians.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, enhanced by a fervent crowd that relished Watson's attacking style, reminiscent of his prime playing days. West Indian cricket legend Brian Lara won the toss and opted to field first, a strategic decision that set the stage for a competitive clash.
Watson, opening alongside Ben Dunk, quickly got into his stride, forming a solid 34-run partnership for the first wicket. He then built on this foundation with Callum Ferguson, contributing to an impressive 83-run stand for the second wicket. Following this, he combined with Daniel Christian to add another 54 runs for the third wicket, showcasing the depth of the Australian batting line-up. Despite experiencing wickets falling at the other end, Watson anchored the innings with composure and aggression.
His performance reached a crescendo against left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, who faced Watson's wrath when the Australian amassed a staggering 21 runs off the ninth over, which included two sixes and two boundaries. Ultimately, Watson's innings concluded at a resounding 52-ball 107, featuring nine boundaries and an equal number of sixes. Although he received a break on 80 when Ashley Nurse dropped a catch, Watson's aggressive display was instrumental in propelling the Australian total to a competitive score.
Turning to the bowling side, Ashley Nurse was the standout performer for the West Indies, finishing with remarkable figures of three wickets for just 16 runs. Jerome Taylor and Ravi Rampaul also had notable contributions, each claiming two wickets, which significantly hampered the Australian scoring potential.
In pursuit of the total, Simmons found a reliable ally in Dwayne Smith, as the two set the tone for the West Indies’ chase. Smith himself made a swift 51 runs in 29 balls, which consisted of ten boundaries and a six. Despite the early exit of Chris Gayle, who scored only 11 runs off 12 balls, Smith's solid performance in the top order provided the momentum required.
Simmons, renowned for his unyielding approach, carried that momentum forward. Underlying his innings was a critical partnership with Lara, who crafted an efficient 33 runs in just 21 balls. Their third-wicket alliance yielded 99 runs, which laid the foundation for a successful chase.
As the match progressed, Simmons continued to dictate terms, particularly in the final overs. Facing the daunting challenge of requiring 38 runs off the last three overs, Simmons partnered with wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton. The duo struck Daniel Christian for three boundaries, swiftly chopping down the target and reducing the requirement to a more manageable figure. They completed the chase impressively with four balls remaining, reflecting their skill and composure under pressure.
By sealing this victory, the West Indies Masters not only registered a significant win but also sent a clear message to the other teams in the International Masters League about their capability and intent. The match served as a testament to the enduring talent of several cricketers who donned their national colors in the past and continue to entertain fans with their remarkable performances.
Watson's explosive century was indeed a hallmark of the day's cricket, but it was Simmons's calculated aggression and ability to finish the game that ultimately highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament. As the league progresses, such performances are likely to attract more attention, fueling cricket enthusiasm among fans gauging the careers of these seasoned veterans on the field.