IML 2025: Yuvraj Hits 7 Sixes as India Masters Defeat Australia Masters in Semifinal
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Synopsis
On March 13, 2025, the India Masters triumphed over the Australia Masters by 94 runs in the semifinal of the International Masters League. Yuvraj Singh's explosive 59 runs and Shahbaz Nadeem's impressive four wickets were key to their victory, leading them to the final. The match was filled with thrilling moments and nostalgic performances.
Key Takeaways
- Yuvraj Singh scored 59 runs, hitting 7 sixes.
- Shahbaz Nadeem took 4 wickets for just 15 runs.
- Sachin Tendulkar contributed significantly with 42 runs.
- India Masters set a challenging target of 220 runs.
- Australia Masters were bowled out for 126 runs.
Raipur, March 13 (NationPress) Cricketing nostalgia reached new heights as the India Masters capitalized on a stunning half-century from Yuvraj Singh and a remarkable four-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem to advance to the final of the International Masters League (IML) 2025, thrashing the Australia Masters by 94 runs in the first semifinal.
For Sachin Tendulkar’s squad, this victory was more than just securing a spot in the title match — it was an opportunity to avenge past defeats, and they did so convincingly in front of a roaring crowd at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Thursday.
The crowd in Raipur erupted in excitement as Sachin Tendulkar stepped up to lead the innings for India Masters after being invited to bat by Australia Masters on a pitch that favored the batters. The legendary player turned back the clock with a swift 42-run innings before Yuvraj Singh’s explosive batting propelled the team to a formidable 220/7.
Despite the early dismissals of Ambati Rayudu (5) and Pawan Negi (11), Tendulkar remained composed, showcasing his timeless elegance. Every flick and drive served as a reminder of his mastery, as he executed his signature shots to keep the score ticking. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh made an impressive entrance, launching a massive six over midwicket to announce his arrival.
A momentary silence blanketed the stadium when Tendulkar faced two nerve-wracking moments at 25 and 35, but once the danger subsided, the iconic chants of “Sachin! Sachin!” resonated louder than ever. Their 47-run partnership for the third wicket laid a solid foundation for a commanding total.
However, a few overs later, the atmosphere shifted. Ben Hilfenhaus struck, abruptly ending Tendulkar’s exquisite 30-ball innings, which included seven boundaries. With the master gone, it was time for another familiar star to shine.
Yuvraj Singh was in sensational form, unleashing a barrage of three sixes in a single over off Bryce McGain to reach a whirlwind 26-ball fifty. Stuart Binny quickly made his presence felt, capitalizing on a missed chance on 11 off Hilfenhaus and finding the boundary with ease.
Just when the partnership between Yuvraj and Binny appeared unstoppable, Doherty managed to quiet the crowd, but not before Yuvraj smashed seven sixes and a four during an electrifying 30-ball performance. The excitement was far from over as Yusuf Pathan joined in, launching a towering six over long-on, while Binny kept the momentum going as India raced to 199/4 by the 18th over.
However, their aggressive approach in the final two overs backfired as Daniel Christian dismissed both Binny and Yusuf Pathan within four deliveries, slowing the run rate. Ultimately, Irfan Pathan’s quickfire 19 off 7 balls pushed the home side to a challenging total.
In response, the Australia Masters’ chase stumbled with three quick wickets during the powerplay, beginning with Vinay Kumar dismissing the dangerous Shane Watson (5) and then Shaun Marsh (21).
Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, chosen for this crucial match, proved to be a brilliant decision, decimating the Australia Masters batting lineup with a phenomenal spell of 4/15 in four overs. Nadeem struck in his first over, claiming the wicket of Ben Dunk (21) and then quickly taking out Nathan Reardon (21), Nathan Coulter-Nile (0), and Ben Hilfenhaus (2), leaving the visitors reeling.
With Australia struggling at 49/3 after the powerplay, things got worse when Stuart Binny made an immediate impact, taking down Daniel Christian (2).
In need of stability, Reardon, who had scored a half-century the previous night, aimed to resurrect the innings. After Binny missed a sharp return catch, the left-hander capitalized with a couple of well-timed boundaries, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback.
However, those hopes were quickly extinguished as Nadeem made a comeback, striking twice in consecutive deliveries. He first dismissed Reardon for a 14-ball 21 and then trapped Nathan Coulter-Nile off the very next ball, reducing the Australia Masters to a precarious 74/6.
Fellow left-arm spinner Pawan Negi then removed Steve O’Keefe for a duck, while Ben Cutting fought valiantly for his side before ultimately being dismissed by Irfan Pathan for 39, ending Australia’s hopes.
In the upcoming second semifinal on Friday, the Sri Lanka Masters, who topped the IML points table after the group stage, will face off against the West Indies Masters at the same venue.
Brief scores:
India Masters 220/7 (Sachin Tendulkar 42, Yuvraj Singh 59, Stuart Binny 36, Yusuf Pathan 23; Xavier Doherty 2/30, Daniel Christian 2/40) beat Australia Masters 126 all out (Ben Cutting 39, Ben Dunk 21, Shaun Marsh 21; Shahbaz Nadeem 4/15, Vinay Kumar 2/10, Irfan Pathan 2/31) by 94 runs.
