India Masters etched their identify in historical past by clinching the inaugural Worldwide Masters League (IML) 2025 title, after defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a grand finale that revived the magic of cricket’s golden period. Led by the enduring Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters produced a medical all-round efficiency to outclass Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters to carry the coveted title within the presence of near 50,000 followers on the SVNS Worldwide Stadium right here on Sunday, March 16.
A match constructed on nostalgia, ability and the timeless spirit of the sport had delivered dream matchups, and the summit conflict between the 2 cricketing powerhouses — India Masters and West Indies Masters, couldn’t have been extra befitting of a setting for the climax. The competition had all of the makings of a traditional — a packed stadium, cricketing greats rolling again the years as followers braced themselves for an epic battle after the India Masters contained the opposition for a sub-par 148/7, after which rode a fluent 67-run opening stand from Grasp Blaster Tendulkar (25) within the firm of Ambati Rayudu (74), setting the tone for the chase.
The India Masters made an announcement with their batting would possibly as Tendulkar and Rayudu handled the packed stadium to some classic strokeplay. Whereas Tendulkar performed with finesse, threading the sphere along with his signature cowl drives and flicks, Rayudu took the attacking route, dismantling the West India Masters bowling with calculated aggression. The 51-year-old star entertained the gang with a few boundaries and a six throughout his fluent 18-ball knock, earlier than a pointy supply from Tino Finest ended his keep, briefly quieting the roaring stands.
Rayudu, nonetheless, ensured that the fireworks continued as India Masters cruised alongside in the direction of the goal. Within the course of, the right-handed opener bought to a 34-ball fifty with a boundary off Finest, at the same time as his second-wicket stand with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) added one other 28 runs to the Indian complete. Mann perished whereas making an attempt for a glory shot to off-spinner Ashley Nurse, paving the way in which for Yuvraj Singh’s (13 not out) arrival into the center amid loud cheers.
Simply when the India Masters had been romping house in the direction of victory, the West Indies Masters spinners delayed the inevitable with the wickets of Rayudu, who fell to left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn after belting 9 fours and three mammoth sixes in his 50-ball knock, and new man Yusuf Pathan after being trapped in entrance by Nurse. Nevertheless, with the equation right down to 17 off the ultimate 28 deliveries, Stuart Binny (16 not out) utilized the ending touches in type by smoking two gigantic sixes.
Earlier, India Masters bowlers’ dictated phrases after the Caribbean aspect opted to bat, proscribing them to a modest 148/7, constructed primarily round Lendl Simmons’ half century.
Brian Lara (6) made a daring name by stepping as much as open the innings himself. At 55, Lara’s mere presence was sufficient to ship a surge of emotion via the gang and alongside the explosive Dwayne Smith (45), he set the stage for a dream begin. The Caribbean duo tore into the brand new ball, racing to 34 in just below 4 overs, making Indian Masters captain Sachin Tendulkar and his bowlers rethink their plans.
However as they are saying, cricket is a good leveller, and it was Vinay Kumar who delivered one such twist by eliminating Lara, to convey the West Indies Masters’ cost to a screeching halt. As the enduring left-hander walked again, the capability crowd, which had been silenced by his aspect’s preliminary onslaught, rose in unison, acknowledging not simply the wicket, however a cricketing nice who had outlined an period.
William Perkins (6) stepped in to switch Lara however quickly fell sufferer to Shahbaz Nadeem’s guile. In the meantime, Smith continued to impose himself, smashing six boundaries and two sixes earlier than Nadeem struck once more, ending his 35-ball knock. From there, India Masters tightened their grip on the sport with the spin duo of Nadeem and Pawan Negi strangling the center order, to go away the Caribbean aspect gasping for momentum. Ravi Rampaul’s (2) elevation within the order to fight left-arm spin didn’t repay, with Stuart Binny eradicating him cheaply.
Negi then dealt one other physique blow, castling Chadwick Walton (6) proper after being dispatched for a towering six. Amidst the chaos, Lendl Simmons stood tall with a counterattacking 34-ball fifty as he held his fort to anchor the West Indies Masters innings with an important 61-run sixth wicket partnership with wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (12 not out), who was completely happy enjoying the second fiddle. Simmons, nonetheless, perished after going through 41 deliveries for his 57, laced with 5 boundaries and a six, whereas making an attempt to shift gears within the ultimate over of the innings as India Masters finally restricted them to a below-par complete.
For the house aspect, Vinay Kumar emerged the decide of the bowlers, returning 3/26, whereas Shahbaz Nadeem got here up with two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny additionally chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Temporary Scores: West Indies Masters 148/7 (Lendl Simmons 57, Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26, Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12) misplaced to India Masters 149/4 (Ambati Rayudu 74, Sachin Tendulkar 25, Stuart Binny 16 not out; Ashley Nurse 2/22) by six wickets.