IML 2025: India Masters Qualify for Semifinals After Thrilling Win Over West Indies Masters

March 9, 2025

0 likes

IML 2025: India Masters Qualify for Semifinals After Thrilling Win Over West Indies Masters

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur witnessed a run-fest. India Masters and West Indies Masters clashed in the International Masters League (IML) 2025. Notably, the ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar was rested for the game still India Masters won the game, securing their spot in the semifinals with a narrow 7-run win.

While batting first, India Masters’ scored a huge total of 253 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets in their 20 overs. Saurabh Tiwary started things off with a solid 60 runs off 37 balls. He hit 7 fours and 2 sixes, setting a strong foundation for the inning.

Then, Ambati Rayudu played a brilliant inning. He scored 63 runs off just 35 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive approach kept the momentum going. Gurkeerat Singh also played a quickfire knock, scoring 46 runs off 21 balls. He hit 4 fours and 3 sixes, further boosting the team’s total.

After that, Yusuf Pathan and Yuvraj Singh finished the inning strongly. Yusuf scored 14 runs off 7 balls, and Yuvraj smashed 49 runs off just 20 balls. He hit 6 fours and 3 sixes. Yuvraj’s innings was particularly impressive, showcasing his vintage hitting ability.

yuvraj-singh-bushfire-charity-match

West Indies Masters’ bowling, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor, and Tino Best each bowled 4 overs. They didn’t take many wickets, but they tried to keep the runs down. However, A Nurse, S Benn, and J Carter had a tough time, giving away a lot of runs, as India Masters’ batsmen attacked relentlessly.

West Indies Masters had a big target to chase, and they gave it a good shot. Dwayne Smith played an amazing innings, scoring 79 runs off just 34 balls. He hit 7 fours and 6 sixes, providing a strong response to India’s total. William Perkins also played well, scoring 52 runs off 24 balls. He hit 4 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining the chase’s pace.

Lendl Simmons then came in and played a very fast innings, scoring 38 runs off 13 balls with 1 four and 5 sixes. However, after that, the West Indies Masters lost some quick wickets. Jonathan Carter, Kirk Edwards, and Narsingh Deonarine all got out, disrupting their momentum.

Ashley Nurse and Brian Lara tried to finish the innings strongly, but they fell just short. Ashley Nurse scored 21 runs off 12 balls, and Brian Lara scored 4 runs off 1 ball. Despite their efforts, the required run rate proved too steep.

In the bowling department for India Masters, Stuart Binny was the star. He took 3 crucial wickets, breaking key partnerships. Pawan Negi took 2 wickets, and Irfan Pathan took 1 wicket. Dhawal Kulkarni, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Rahul Sharma bowled, but they didn’t take any wickets, although they contributed to the pressure.

The match was very exciting, with both teams scoring a lot of runs. India Masters batted first and set a high score. West Indies Masters tried their best to chase it down, but India Masters’ bowlers managed to hold them back, especially in the crucial death overs.

Therefore, India Masters won the match by 7 runs. This win meant that India Masters became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the IML 2025.