India Masters created history by winning the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling final at the SVNS International Stadium. Led by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters delivered a commanding all-round performance to secure the championship in front of nearly 50,000 passionate fans.
A Nostalgic Showdown – India Masters vs. West Indies Masters
The much-anticipated final was a clash of cricketing greats, featuring Tendulkar vs. Lara in a contest that rekindled the magic of the golden era of cricket. India Masters restricted West Indies Masters to 148/7 before chasing it down comfortably in 18.3 overs.
Ambati Rayudu Stars in the Chase
🏏 Ambati Rayudu played a match-winning knock of 74 off 50 balls, anchoring the chase after Tendulkar (25 off 18) provided a solid start. The duo put on a 67-run opening stand, treating fans to vintage strokeplay.
🔥 Key Moments in the Chase:
- Tendulkar’s Class: The Master Blaster rolled back the years with elegant cover drives before falling to Tino Best.
- Rayudu’s Counterattack: Blasted nine fours and three sixes en route to a 34-ball half-century.
- Late Flourish by Binny: Stuart Binny (16 off 9)* sealed the win with two big sixes.
West Indies Masters’ Struggles with the Bat
After electing to bat, West Indies Masters started strong but lost momentum following key wickets.
🚀 Lendl Simmons (57 off 41) fought hard, but regular breakthroughs by India Masters’ bowlers ensured the Caribbean side could only manage 148/7.
🔥 Key Bowling Performances:
✅ Vinay Kumar: 3/26 (crucial wickets including Lara)
✅ Shahbaz Nadeem: 2/30 (trapped key batters in the middle overs)
✅ Pawan Negi & Stuart Binny: 1 wicket each
IML 2025 Final – Brief Scores:
🏏 West Indies Masters: 148/7 (Lendl Simmons 57, Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26)
🏏 India Masters: 149/4 in 18.3 overs (Ambati Rayudu 74, Sachin Tendulkar 25; Ashley Nurse 2/22)
🎉 Result: India Masters won by 6 wickets 🏆
A Fitting Conclusion to a Nostalgic Tournament
With this victory, Sachin Tendulkar & India Masters have etched their names in history as the first-ever IML champions. The tournament, built on nostalgia and skill, provided fans with a dream finale, as cricketing greats showcased their timeless brilliance.
Did this final bring back old memories? Let us know your favorite moment.