Raipur | March 18, 2025
Cricket nostalgia was at its finest as the India Masters outplayed the West Indies Masters to win the inaugural International Masters League (IML) title. In a thrilling final at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on March 16, India secured a six-wicket victory, marking a historic moment for the league and its legendary players.
West Indies Masters Set a Competitive Total
Batting first, West Indies Masters posted 148/7 in 20 overs, thanks to an explosive start by Dwayne Smith. The Indian bowlers, however, kept the pressure on, ensuring the Windies couldn’t accelerate in the later overs.
- Shahbaz Nadeem (4-0-12-1) delivered a masterclass in control, conceding just 12 runs in his four overs.
- Vinay Kumar (4-0-26-3) provided crucial breakthroughs, dismissing key batters.
- Brian Lara, ever elegant, showed flashes of brilliance, but the Indian bowlers restricted his impact.
Ambati Rayudu’s Heroics Seal the Win for India Masters
Chasing 149, India Masters got off to a steady start with Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu opening the innings.
- Sachin Tendulkar departed early, but Rayudu took charge, smashing 74 off 50 balls, anchoring the chase.
- Yusuf Pathan and Gurkeerat Singh played useful cameos, keeping the required run rate in check.
- The finishing touch came from Stuart Binny, who struck the winning boundary in the 18th over, sealing the title-winning victory for India Masters.
Tensions Flare Between Yuvraj & Tino Best!
The final wasn’t without drama! A heated exchange between Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best sparked memories of past India-West Indies rivalries. However, the match resumed in good spirits, with the legends entertaining the fans in the best way possible.
A Historic Victory & A Bright Future for IML
With this triumph, India Masters become the first-ever champions of the International Masters League, setting the bar high for future seasons.
- The final was broadcast live on Colors Cineplex and JioCinema, drawing in cricket lovers from across the country.
- The IML’s successful debut proves that cricketing legends still have the magic to entertain fans, making it a promising tournament for the future.
What’s Next?
The roaring success of IML 2025 has fans already anticipating the next edition. With the nostalgia of cricket’s greatest players and competitive action still in full force, the International Masters League could become a regular fixture in the cricket calendar.
Final Thoughts? A thrilling contest, an incredible display of skills from legends, and a well-deserved India Masters lifting the trophy—what more could cricket fans ask for? 🏆🔥
