India Masters, under Tendulkar's captaincy, triumph over West Indies Masters by 6 wickets in IML 2025 final

Raipur, March 16 (NationPress) The India Masters have made history by securing the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 championship, triumphing over the West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling final that rekindled the essence of cricket's glorious past. Under the leadership of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, the India Masters showcased a dominant all-around display to outshine Brian Lara's West Indies Masters, lifting the prestigious trophy in front of nearly 50,000 fans at the SVNS International Stadium on Sunday.

This tournament, steeped in nostalgia, talent, and the enduring spirit of the game, featured exhilarating matchups, culminating in an epic showdown between the two cricketing giants — India Masters and West Indies Masters. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed stadium witnessing cricketing legends reliving their prime as the India Masters restricted their opponents to a modest 148/7, thanks to a strong 67-run opening partnership from the Master Blaster Tendulkar (25) alongside Ambati Rayudu (74), setting a solid foundation for the chase.

The India Masters made an emphatic statement with their batting prowess as Tendulkar and Rayudu delighted the spectators with classic strokeplay. While Tendulkar showcased his trademark cover drives and flicks, Rayudu opted for an aggressive approach, systematically dismantling the West Indies Masters bowling attack. The 51-year-old superstar entertained the fans with several boundaries and a six during his brisk 18-ball innings before a sharp delivery from Tino Best curtailed his stay, momentarily silencing the cheering crowd.

Rayudu, however, ensured the momentum remained with the India Masters as they smoothly progressed towards the target. He reached a swift 34-ball fifty with a boundary off Best, and his second-wicket partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) added another 28 runs to the team’s score. Mann, however, fell while attempting a big shot off off-spinner Ashley Nurse, paving the way for Yuvraj Singh (13 not out) to join the fray amidst enthusiastic cheers.

As the India Masters surged towards victory, the West Indies Masters spinners briefly stalled the inevitable with the dismissals of Rayudu, who was caught by left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn after hitting nine fours and three towering sixes in his 50-ball innings, and Yusuf Pathan, who fell victim to a leg-before-wicket call by Nurse. Nevertheless, with only 17 runs needed off the last 28 balls, Stuart Binny (15 not out) sealed the victory in style with two massive sixes.

Earlier, the India Masters bowlers set the tone after the West Indies opted to bat first, limiting them to a modest total of 148/7, with Lendl Simmons being the standout performer with a half-century.

Brian Lara (6) made a daring choice to open the batting himself. At 55, Lara's mere presence electrified the crowd, and alongside the explosive Dwayne Smith (45), he established a fiery start. The Caribbean duo blitzed their way to 34 runs in just under four overs, prompting Sachin Tendulkar and his bowlers to reconsider their strategies.

However, as the saying goes, cricket is a great equalizer, and it was Vinay Kumar who turned the tide by dismissing Lara, halting the West Indies Masters' momentum. As the iconic left-hander walked off the field, the previously silenced crowd rose in unison, not just to acknowledge the wicket, but to honor a cricketing legend who has shaped an era.

William Perkins (6) took over for Lara but quickly succumbed to Shahbaz Nadeem's clever bowling. Meanwhile, Smith continued to assert his dominance, smashing six boundaries and two sixes before Nadeem struck again, ending his 35-ball innings. From that point, the India Masters tightened their grip, with the spin duo of Nadeem and Pawan Negi choking the middle order, leaving the Caribbean side struggling for momentum. Ravi Rampaul’s (2) promotion in the order to counter left-arm spin backfired, as Binny dismissed him cheaply.

Negi then delivered another crucial blow, bowling out Chadwick Walton (6) right after conceding a towering six. Amidst the turmoil, Lendl Simmons stood strong with a counterattacking 34-ball fifty, anchoring the West Indies Masters innings with a vital 61-run sixth wicket partnership alongside wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (12 not out), who played a supportive role. Simmons, however, fell after 41 deliveries, scoring 57 runs, including five boundaries and a six, while attempting to accelerate in the final over of the innings, as the India Masters ultimately restricted their opponents to a subpar total.

For the home team, Vinay Kumar was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/26, while Shahbaz Nadeem grabbed two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny also contributed with one wicket each.

Brief Scores: West Indies Masters 148/7 (Lendl Simmons 57, Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26, Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12) lost to India Masters 149/4 (Ambati Rayudu 74, Sachin Tendulkar 25, Stuart Binny 16 not out; Ashley Nurse 2/22) by six wickets.