India Masters clinch the first-ever inaugurated International Masters League 2025 title defeating West Indies by 6 wickets in the final match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Sunday, 16 March 2025. (Match Highlights| More Cricket News)
It was more than just a game--it was a package filled with action, thrills, nostalgia, vintage Sachin magic, and an adrenaline rush under the open sky before a roaring crowd of more than 50,000.
India captain Sachin Tendulkar rolled back the years with a sparkling 25 off 18 balls, but it was Ambati Rayudu who led the charge with a sublime 74 off 50 deliveries (9x4, 3x6). Showcasing his class and composure, Rayudu anchored the chase of 149 with effortless stroke play before Yuvraj Singh (13*) and Stuart Binny (15*) finished the job in 17.1 overs.
Windies won the toss, and Brian Lara chose to bat first, but the decision backfired soon as India's bowlers put on a clinical display. Vinay Kumar (3-0-26-3) led the charge with early breakthroughs, while Shahbaz Nadeem (4-1-12-2) choked the middle order with his accuracy. Their efforts set the tone, restricting West Indies Masters to a modest 148/7.
Opening the innings, Tendulkar was at his elegant best, executing a picture-perfect late cut to Jerome Taylor for four before following it up with an audacious upper-cut six over third man.
His copybook drive, flick, and ramp shot transported fans back to his prime. He raced to 23 off just 14 balls, thrilling the crowd with his effortless strokeplay.
However, his sparkling innings was cut short when he mistimed a pull off Tino Best, finding Chadwick Walton at fine-leg.
By then, he had put India Masters in complete control, forging a 67-run opening stand in just 7.5 overs.
Rayudu anchored the chase with a composed knock, ensuring there were no hiccups.
He too showcased his attacking prowess, smashing a flat six off Taylor, while Yuvraj Singh played a fluent hand to guide India Masters home comfortably.
In a Sachin vs Lara face off, the West Indies Masters looked set for a 180-plus total as Dwayne Smith (45 off 35 balls, 6x4, 2x6) took charge, while Lara played second fiddle opening the innings.
The duo were in top gear at 34 from 22 balls before Vinay Kumar halted Lara's innings. But they reached 52/1 in the powerplay, with Smith tearing into Negi for 15 runs in an over.
However, the left-arm spinner Nadeem struck at the right time, castling Smith with a delivery that skidded on as he played for the turn.
Vinay Kumar was the standout performer, dismissing Lara (6) early and returning at the death to claim the prized wicket of their top-scorer Lendl Simmons (57 off 41 balls, 5x4, 1x6).
His precision and variation ensured West Indies Masters struggled in the final overs, managing just 35 runs while losing two wickets.
Negi (1/30 in 3 overs) and Stuart Binny (1/11 in 2 overs) also played supporting roles, restricting the opposition to a below-par total.
Despite Simmons’ fighting fifty and a 61-run stand with Denesh Ramdin (12 not out), West Indies Masters lacked the finishing touch, setting the stage for Sachin라이브 바카라 nostalgic masterclass and India Masters’ emphatic title triumph.
Brief Scores:
West Indies Masters 148/7; 20 overs (Lendl Simmons 57, Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26, Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12) lost to India Masters 149/4; 17.1 overs (Ambati Rayudu 74, Sachin Tendulkar 25) by six wickets.
(With PTI Inputs)
