Sun Mar 16 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## India Masters Clinch Inaugural International Masters League Title
**Raipur, India:** India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar, triumphed over West Indies Masters in a thrilling final of the International Masters League (IML) 2025 on Sunday. Playing in front of a roaring crowd of nearly 50,000 at the SVNS International Stadium, India Masters secured a convincing six-wicket victory.
The match lived up to its billing as a clash of cricketing titans. West Indies Masters, captained by Brian Lara, were restricted to 148/7 after electing to bat first. Lendl Simmons’ half-century (57) was the highlight of their innings, while Vinay Kumar’s 3 for 26 and Shahbaz Nadeem’s 2 for 20 spearheaded India’s bowling attack. Lara himself managed only 6 runs before being dismissed by Kumar. Dwayne Smith provided some explosive hitting (45), but Nadeem’s guile proved too much for the Caribbean side.
In reply, India Masters showcased a masterclass in measured aggression. A 67-run partnership between Tendulkar (25) and Ambati Rayudu (74) laid the foundation for the chase. Rayudu’s blistering 74 off 50 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes, entertained the crowd. Although his dismissal sparked a brief lull, Stuart Binny’s unbeaten 16, including two towering sixes, ensured India comfortably reached the target.
The match was a nostalgic spectacle, showcasing the skills and spirit of a bygone era of cricket, with legendary players from both sides thrilling the packed stadium. The victory marks a memorable start for the IML, promising a bright future for the league.
First Piper 