Sachin Tendulkar’s India Masters clinch IML 2025 title with 6-wicket victory over West Indies Masters
GH News March 17, 2025 05:06 AM
India Masters made history by securing the first-ever International Masters League (IML) 2025 title defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling final that took fans back to the golden days of cricket. Under the leadership of legendary Sachin Tendulkar India Masters delivered an all-around performance that overpowered Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters clinching the prestigious title in front of nearly 50000 spectators at the SVNS International Stadium on Sunday. The tournament built on nostalgia and showcasing the timeless spirit of the game reached its climax with a dream matchup between two cricketing giants – India Masters and West Indies Masters. The final was nothing short of a spectacle as Tendulkar and his team restricted the West Indies Masters to a modest total of 148/7 before Ambati Rayudu (74) and Tendulkar (25) set the foundation with an opening partnership of 67 runs steering India Masters toward victory. The Indian team’s batting was a treat to watch as Tendulkar displayed his signature elegance with cover drives and flicks while Rayudu took an aggressive approach dominating the West Indies bowlers. Tendulkar’s brief yet graceful 18-ball knock was ended by Tino Best but Rayudu’s fiery batting continued. He reached a 34-ball fifty with a boundary off Best and built a steady partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14). The duo added 28 crucial runs before Mann was dismissed attempting a big shot. Yuvraj Singh (13 not out) joined Rayudu at the crease amidst the fans’ chants and despite a few wickets falling the chase was always within reach. Rayudu was eventually dismissed by Sulieman Benn after smashing nine fours and three sixes in his 50-ball knock and Yusuf Pathan was trapped by Ashley Nurse. However India Masters only needed 17 runs off the final 28 deliveries and Stuart Binny (15 not out) finished the game with style hitting two towering sixes. Earlier West Indies Masters were put on the back foot as India Masters’ bowlers dominated keeping them to a subpar total. Lendl Simmons’ half-century was the standout performance for the Caribbean side but India Masters’ bowlers led by Vinay Kumar (3/26) Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12) and Pawan Negi kept the pressure on dismissing key players and never allowing them to build momentum. Brian Lara (6) who opened the batting for the West Indies added a touch of nostalgia but was dismissed early by Vinay Kumar. Dwayne Smith (45) did his best to put up a fight hitting six fours and two sixes but was dismissed by Nadeem. The West Indies Masters’ middle order couldn’t recover and after a brief partnership between Simmons and Denesh Ramdin (12*) Simmons was out for 57 off 41 balls. The West Indies Masters finished with just 148/7. For India Masters Vinay Kumar was the star bowler followed by Nadeem and Negi who played crucial roles in the win. Brief Scores: West Indies Masters – 148/7 (Lendl Simmons 57 Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26 Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12) India Masters – 149/4 (Ambati Rayudu 74 Sachin Tendulkar 25 Stuart Binny 16*; Ashley Nurse 2/22) India Masters won by six wickets.
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