India Masters Triumph Over West Indies Masters in IML 2025 Final
Cricket fans witnessed a thrilling clash of titans as India Masters defeated West Indies Masters in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 final. The match, played on March 16th in Raipur, was a nostalgic spectacle featuring legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. While India's six-wicket victory was celebrated, a heated exchange between Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best added unexpected drama to the proceedings.
A Vintage Performance
India Masters, led by the Master Blaster himself, Sachin Tendulkar, posted a dominant performance. Tendulkar, displaying glimpses of his former glory, contributed a stylish 25 runs. However, it was Ambati Rayudu who stole the show with a match-winning 74, studded with nine fours and three sixes. His explosive innings propelled India to victory, despite a late fightback from West Indies' spinners. West Indies Masters, despite Lendl Simmons’ gritty 57, managed only 148/7.
The Yuvraj-Best Altercation
The match wasn't without controversy. A heated argument between Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best in the 13th over briefly overshadowed the dominant Indian performance. The exchange, involving some unpleasant words, required the intervention of Brian Lara, Ambati Rayudu, and umpire Billy Bowden to defuse the situation. While the incident added spice to the game, it served as a reminder that even legends can get caught up in the heat of the moment.
India Masters' Commanding Win
Ultimately, India Masters’ all-around performance proved too strong for West Indies Masters. The clinical bowling attack, led by Vinay Kumar (3/26) and Shahbaz Nadeem (2/25), restricted the opposition to a manageable total. India’s chase was smooth, thanks largely to Rayudu’s masterclass. Stuart Binny added the finishing touch with two towering sixes, securing a comfortable victory with 17 balls to spare. The win earned India Masters the inaugural IML title and a prize money of Rs 1 crore.