RAIPUR: India Masters etched their name in history by clinching the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title, after defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a grand finale that revived the magic of cricket’s golden era. Led by the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters produced a clinical all-round performance to outclass Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters to lift the coveted title in the presence of close to 50,000 fans at the SVNS International Stadium here on Sunday night.
A tournament built on nostalgia, skill and the undying spirit of the game had delivered dream matchups, and the summit clash between the two cricketing powerhouses — India Masters and West Indies Masters, couldn’t have been more befitting of a setting for the climax. The contest had all the makings of a classic — a packed stadium, cricketing greats rolling back the years as fans braced themselves for an epic battle after the India Masters contained the opposition for a sub-par 148/7, and then rode a fluent 67-run opening stand from Master Blaster Tendulkar (25) in the company of Ambati Rayudu (74), setting the tone for the chase.
Earlier, India Masters bowlers’ dictated terms after the Caribbean side opted to bat, restricting them to a modest 148/7, built mainly around Lendl Simmons’ half century.
Brian Lara (6) made a bold call by stepping up to open the innings himself. At 55, Lara’s mere presence was enough to send a surge of emotion through the crowd and alongside the explosive Dwayne Smith (45), he set the stage for a dream start. The Caribbean duo tore into the new ball, racing to 34 in just under four overs, making Indian Masters captain Sachin Tendulkar and his bowlers rethink their plans.
For the home side, Vinay Kumar emerged the pick of the bowlers, returning 3/26, while Shahbaz Nadeem came up with two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Brief Scores: West Indies Masters 148/7 (Simmons 57, Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26, Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12) lost to India Masters 149/4 ( Rayudu 74, Tendulkar 25, Stuart Binny 16no; Ashley Nurse 2/22). IANS
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