By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
Raipur, India (16-03-2025): Under the inspirational leadership of Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters claimed the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title with a commanding six-wicket win over Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters in a thrilling final at SVNS International Stadium on Sunday. In front of nearly 50,000 roaring fans, the legends of the game rolled back the years to deliver a fitting conclusion to a tournament steeped in nostalgia and timeless cricketing brilliance.
The much-anticipated showdown between two powerhouse teams saw India Masters showcase their dominance in both departments, restricting West Indies Masters to a modest 148/7 before chasing it down with ease, thanks to a clinical batting display.
After Tendulkar won the toss and opted to field, India’s bowlers took center stage. Vinay Kumar led the charge with an impressive 3/26, ably supported by left-arm spinners Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12) and Pawan Negi (1/22). Despite a strong start from Dwayne Smith (45 off 35) and Brian Lara (6), the Caribbean side lost momentum following Lara’s dismissal by Vinay Kumar. Lendl Simmons provided resistance with a fighting 57 off 41 balls, forging a 61-run stand with Denesh Ramdin (12 not out), but the West Indies Masters were ultimately restricted to a below-par total.
In reply, India Masters came out with intent. The opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu gave their side a flying start, adding 67 runs for the first wicket. Tendulkar, ever the maestro, played some trademark strokes in his 18-ball 25 before Tino Best sent him back. However, Rayudu carried the innings forward with an authoritative 74 off 50 balls, featuring nine boundaries and three towering sixes.
Rayudu’s aggressive yet composed knock ensured India Masters stayed ahead in the chase. He built a 28-run partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14), who fell trying to accelerate off Ashley Nurse’s bowling. Although Sulieman Benn and Nurse briefly delayed India’s march with wickets of Rayudu and Yusuf Pathan, the result was never in doubt.
Needing just 17 runs from 28 balls, Stuart Binny (16 not out) wrapped up the chase in style, smashing two huge sixes to seal the win in the 18th over.
Earlier in the day, West Indies Masters had high hopes after electing to bat first. Lara’s decision to open the innings, alongside Smith, sparked excitement among the crowd. They raced to 34 in four overs before Lara fell, signaling the start of a collapse that India Masters capitalized on. Smith’s dismissal by Nadeem further dented the West Indies innings. Though Simmons stood tall with a gritty half-century, tight Indian bowling at the death prevented any late surge.
In the end, Tendulkar’s men put on a polished, professional display to lift the first-ever IML trophy and give their fans a night to remember.
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 in 17.4 overs (Ambati Rayudu 74, Sachin Tendulkar 25; Ashley Nurse 2/22)
Result: India Masters won by six wickets.