Hashim Amla Leads South Africa Masters to Victory in International Masters League 2025

New Delhi: The South Africa Masters team notched their maiden win in the International Masters League 2025, with a convincing seven-wicket triumph over the England Masters at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Monday. Led by a stellar half-century from Hashim Amla, the Proteas chased down the target of 158 runs effortlessly, displaying their batting prowess in style.

Opting to field first, South Africa’s new ball pair of Vernon Philander and Garnett Kruger made an immediate impact, dismissing England’s openers, Phil Mustard and Ian Bell, for ducks. England found themselves in early trouble at 9/2 before Tim Ambrose led their recovery with a well-constructed 53 off 41 balls. He was well-supported by Eoin Morgan, who played an attacking knock of 36 off 34 deliveries. The duo built a solid 73-run partnership for the third wicket, helping England regain some momentum. However, after Morgan’s dismissal, South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Makhaya Ntini and Thandi Tshabalala, tightened the noose, making run-scoring difficult. Darren Maddy, who struggled to 10 off 30 balls, and Ambrose, who reached his half-century under pressure, eventually fell while trying to accelerate. As boundaries dried up, England’s innings lost steam.

A late counterattack from Chris Tremlett and Chris Schofield provided England with some much-needed runs in the final overs. Schofield smashed two sixes off Ntini, while Tremlett struck three consecutive maximums in the last over, lifting England to a respectable total of 157/6.

Chasing 158, South Africa suffered early setbacks, losing Henry Davids for a duck and skipper Jacques Kallis for just 8, reducing them to 38/2. However, Hashim Amla and Alviro Petersen took control of the chase, displaying remarkable composure under pressure. The pair stitched together a 113-run partnership, ensuring South Africa stayed on track. Amla led the charge with a magnificent 90 not out off 57 balls, striking 12 boundaries and a six, while Petersen provided crucial support with a steady 49 off 39 deliveries. Petersen fell just before the target was reached, but Farhaan Behardien sealed the win with a boundary off his very first ball, completing the chase with ease.

With this victory, South Africa Masters opened their account in the tournament, while England remains winless. The match not only revived memories of classic encounters between the two sides but also showcased the enduring class of these cricketing legends.