IML 2025: Rahul Sharma's Hat-Trick Propels India Masters to 8-Wicket Victory Over SA Masters
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the IML 2025, Rahul Sharma's hat-trick led India Masters to an impressive 8-wicket victory over South Africa Masters. The match, held in Vadodara, showcased remarkable performances and rekindled the spirit of cricket among veteran players.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Sharma's hat-trick proved pivotal in the match.
- The India Masters successfully chased down 86 runs.
- Spin bowling dominated the game, limiting South Africa to just 85 runs.
- Ambati Rayudu played a crucial role with a solid innings.
- The event highlighted the enduring passion of veteran cricketers.
Vadodara, March 1 (NationPress) A remarkable hat-trick by leg-spinner Rahul Sharma enabled the India Masters to triumph over the South Africa Masters by a margin of eight wickets in the second match of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, maintaining their winning streak in the tournament. Rahul Sharma's performance was reminiscent of the golden days of India's spin supremacy at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium, leading to a comfortable victory for the India Masters.
Despite the nostalgia, the competitive spirit was ever-present. While reflexes might not be as sharp and feet not as quick, the urge to win remained as intense as ever. Each run, wicket, and dive exuded the same passion that once captivated millions. With the legendary Sir Vivian Richards in attendance, the atmosphere was electric for the packed audience.
While age may have influenced the players, the fighting spirit was unyielding. The age-old rivalries reignited as Saturday's match commenced, with Sachin Tendulkar opting to bowl first. His spin bowlers capitalized on the pitch to limit a formidable South Africa Masters lineup to a mere 85 runs in under 14 overs.
As the crowd awaited Tendulkar's batting display in pursuit of 86 runs, the stadium buzzed with excitement, cheering every stroke from the batting maestro, even as SA Masters captain Kallis initiated the bowling with spinners. This strategy initially worked as off-spinner Thandi Tshabalala dismissed the Master Blaster in a simple caught-and-bowled opportunity, quieting the crowd.
Following Tendulkar's exit, opener Ambati Rayudu took charge of the innings alongside Irfan Pathan (12), who was promoted up the order to tackle the spinners. Pathan struck a couple of elegantly-timed boundaries before falling to leg-spinner Eddie Leie.
With India in a precarious position at 27/2 during the power-play, Pawan Negi rose to No.4 and showcased his hitting ability with a few boundaries and a six, forming an unbeaten 62-run partnership with Rayudu to guide India to victory with nine overs remaining. Rayudu finished not out with a brisk 41 off 34 balls, finding the boundary seven times.
Earlier in the tournament, playing his first match, wrist-spinner Rahul was introduced as early as the third over of the mandatory power-play to control the aggressive South African opening duo of Hashim Amla and Henry Davids, who gave the visitors a rapid 35-run start.
After a solid opening over, Rahul struck gold by taking the wickets of Amla (9), Kallis, and Jacques Rudolph in his second over, not only halting the scoring but also exposing the South Africans' frailty against high-quality spin.
Rahul received excellent support from Pawan Negi, who dismissed Farhaan Behardien and sent back Davids, the top scorer for the South Africans with a brisk 38 runs from 28 balls.
With South Africa Masters at 63/5, they required stability in the middle order, but Tendulkar cleverly utilized the spin-friendly conditions to deploy Yuvraj Singh, who made an immediate impact by claiming two wickets off consecutive deliveries.
Yuvraj reminded the South Africans of his spin prowess by clean-bowling a well-set Dane Vilas for his third wicket. Vilas, who had struck a boundary off the previous ball, fell while attempting another ambitious shot. His contribution of 21 runs off 15 balls was the only other significant score from the visitors. Stuart Binny then wrapped up the innings in his solitary over, dispatching Makhaya Ntini and Eddie Leie.
Brief Scores:
South Africa Masters: 85 (Henry Davids 38, Dane Vilas 21; Rahul Sharma 3/18, Yuvraj Singh 3/12, Pawan Negi 2/21, Stuart Binny 2/1) lost to India Masters: 89/2 (Ambati Rayudu 41 not out, Pawan Negi 21 not out) by eight wickets.
