Sun Mar 09 17:10:00 UTC 2025: **India Masters Defeat West Indies Masters in Thrilling IML 2025 Encounter**
NEW DELHI – India Masters edged out West Indies Masters by 7 runs in a nail-biting finish to their International Masters League (IML) 2025 match. The victory, India’s fifth in the tournament, consolidates their position at the top of the table with 8 points from 5 matches. The match was notable for the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, with Yuvraj Singh leading the Indian team in his stead.
India, batting first after West Indies won the toss, posted a challenging 253/3 in their 20 overs. Ambati Rayudu (63 off 35, including 4 sixes and 8 fours) and Saurabh Tiwari (60 off 37, including 2 sixes and 7 fours) laid the foundation with a 94-run opening partnership. Gurkeerat Singh Mann’s quickfire 46 and Yuvraj Singh’s unbeaten 49 (including 3 sixes and 6 fours) further boosted the total.
Chasing 254, West Indies got off to a flying start, with Dwayne Smith (79 off 34) and William Perkins (52 off 24) putting on a 121-run opening stand. Lendl Simmons also contributed a 38-run knock, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to deliver the necessary support. Captain Brian Lara’s cameo of 4 runs off one ball couldn’t prevent the West Indies from falling short, finishing on 246/6.
Stuart Binny was the star performer for India, claiming 3 crucial wickets and earning the Player of the Match award. His impressive bowling performance proved to be the difference in a closely fought contest. The victory cements India Masters’ strong start to the IML 2025 tournament.
First Piper 