By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
Navi Mumbai, India (25 February, 2025): The DY Patil Stadium witnessed a nostalgic cricketing spectacle as India Masters delivered an all-round performance to secure a dominant 9-wicket win over England Masters in the International Masters League (IML) 2025.
Chasing 133, India Masters got off to a flying start with Sachin Tendulkar rolling back the years, smashing 34 off 21 balls with five boundaries and a six. His 75-run opening stand with Gurkeerat Singh Mann in just seven overs set the tone before he fell to Chris Schofield, momentarily silencing the packed crowd.
Photo by; Faheem Hussain / Sportzpics for IML
However, Yuvraj Singh reignited the excitement with a towering six off just his second ball. His unbeaten 14-ball 27, along with Gurkeerat’s explosive 63* off 35 balls, ensured India wrapped up the chase in just 11.4 overs.
Earlier, India Masters’ decision to bowl first proved effective as Abhimanyu Mithun and Dhawal Kulkarni struck early to put England on the back foot.
Despite a stabilizing 43-run stand between Tim Ambrose (23) and Darren Maddy (25), England struggled against India’s disciplined attack. Kulkarni starred with 3/21, while Pawan Negi chipped in with 2/16.
Late cameos from Chris Tremlett (16) and Chris Schofield (18*) helped England reach 132/8, but it wasn’t enough against India’s commanding batting display.
Brief Scores:England Masters: 132/8 (Darren Maddy 25, Tim Ambrose 23; Dhawal Kulkarni 3/21, Pawan Negi 2/16)India Masters: 133/1 in 11.4 overs (Gurkeerat Singh Mann 63*, Sachin Tendulkar 34, Yuvraj Singh 27*)
India Masters won by 9 wickets.