In a captivating finale to the International Masters League (IML) 2025, the India Masters emerged victorious against the West Indies Masters, securing a six-wicket win at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The match, held on March 16, 2025, was a testament to the enduring talent and spirit of cricket legends, drawing fans into a nostalgic yet exhilarating experience.
The Grand Stage: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium
The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, located in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, set the perfect backdrop for the IML 2025 final. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and a seating capacity exceeding 60,000, the stadium has hosted numerous significant cricketing events. The well-maintained pitch and electrifying atmosphere added to the grandeur of the occasion, making it a memorable venue for both players and spectators.
Toss and Initial Strategies
West Indies Masters’ captain, the legendary Brian Lara, won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target for the hosts. Lara’s decision was influenced by the pitch conditions, which appeared favorable for batting under the evening lights. Conversely, India Masters’ skipper, Sachin Tendulkar, expressed confidence in his bowlers’ ability to restrict the opposition, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
West Indies Masters’ Innings: A Blend of Aggression and Resilience
The West Indies Masters commenced their innings with a mix of aggression and calculated play.
Opening Partnership: Lara and Smith’s Aggressive Start
Brian Lara and Dwayne Smith opened the innings with an aggressive approach, aiming to capitalize on the powerplay overs. Smith, in particular, showcased his intent by hitting boundaries early on, setting a brisk pace for the innings. However, their partnership was short-lived as Lara fell to Vinay Kumar in the fourth over, with the score at 34/1.
Middle Order Contributions: Simmons’ Lone Battle
Following Lara’s departure, William Perkins and Dwayne Smith attempted to stabilize the innings. Perkins contributed 19 runs before being dismissed by Pawan Negi. Dwayne Smith continued his assault, scoring a quickfire 45 off 28 balls, including three fours and two sixes, before being bowled by Shahbaz Nadeem. Lendl Simmons then took charge, anchoring the innings with a resilient 57 off 41 balls, ensuring the West Indies Masters posted a competitive total.
Lower Order Collapse: India’s Bowling Dominance
The lower order struggled to maintain momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Vinay Kumar was instrumental in this phase, claiming three crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Brian Lara. His figures of 3/26 in three overs were pivotal in restricting the West Indies Masters to 148/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
India Masters’ Chase: A Display of Class and Composure
Chasing 149 for victory, the India Masters exhibited a blend of aggression and composure.
Opening Stand: Tendulkar and Rayudu’s Solid Foundation
Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu provided a steady start, with Rayudu taking the initiative to accelerate the scoring. He played a scintillating knock, amassing 74 runs off 50 balls, including nine boundaries and two sixes. Tendulkar complemented him with a composed 25 off 18 balls before being dismissed by Tino Best.
Middle Order Stability: Rayudu’s Masterclass
Rayudu continued to anchor the innings, ensuring the required run rate was kept in check. His experience and shot selection were on full display, guiding the team closer to the target. His dismissal at 74, caught by Dwayne Smith off Sulieman Benn, briefly gave the West Indies Masters hope.
Finishing Touches: Binny and Yuvraj Seal the Victory
The experienced duo of Stuart Binny and Yuvraj Singh ensured there were no further hiccups. Binny’s quickfire 15 off 8 balls, including a towering six off Benn, and Yuvraj’s steady 13 off 11 balls, guided the India Masters to victory with 17 balls to spare, finishing at 149/4 in 17.1 overs.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Vinay Kumar’s Bowling Brilliance
Vinay Kumar’s spell was instrumental in restricting the West Indies Masters. His ability to swing the ball and execute yorkers at crucial junctures led to key breakthroughs, shifting the momentum in favor of the India Masters.
Ambati Rayudu’s Match-Winning Knock
Rayudu’s innings was a masterclass in pacing a chase. His aggressive yet calculated approach ensured the scoreboard kept ticking, relieving pressure off the middle order and setting up a comfortable finish.
Shahbaz Nadeem’s Economical Spell
Shahbaz Nadeem’s left-arm spin proved to be a challenge for the West Indies batsmen. His dismissal of the dangerous Dwayne Smith was a turning point, and his economical spell of 1/19 in four overs applied the brakes on the scoring rate.
Captains’ Reflections Post-Match
Sachin Tendulkar’s Elation
Post-match, Sachin Tendulkar expressed immense satisfaction with his team’s performance. He lauded the bowlers for their disciplined effort and praised Rayudu’s match-winning innings, highlighting the collective team effort that led to the triumph.
Brian Lara’s Acknowledgment
Brian Lara graciously acknowledged the India Masters’ superior performance. He commended his team’s efforts and highlighted the positives from their campaign. Lara emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and expressed hope for future editions of the tournament.
IML 2025 Final, IND-M vs WI-M LIVE Cricket Score Card UPDATES: India Masters Beat West Indies Masters in Final by 6 Wickets in Raipur
The International Masters League (IML) 2025 Final witnessed an intense battle between India Masters and West Indies Masters, with the former clinching a comfortable six-wicket victory. The match, held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, saw legends of the game showcase their cricketing prowess in front of a roaring crowd.
With Ambati Rayudu’s match-winning knock, Vinay Kumar’s superb bowling, and Shahbaz Nadeem’s tight spell, India Masters successfully chased down West Indies Masters’ 149-run target in 17.1 overs. The IML 2025 Final was a grand spectacle that brought nostalgia and excitement to cricket fans worldwide.
How India Masters Outplayed West Indies Masters?
The India Masters’ victory was a result of meticulous planning, disciplined bowling, and a well-calculated run chase. While the West Indies Masters started aggressively, the Indian bowlers controlled the game with key breakthroughs. Ambati Rayudu’s 74-run masterclass anchored the chase, ensuring a smooth finish.
Bowling Excellence Set the Foundation for Victory
India Masters’ bowlers played a crucial role in restricting West Indies Masters to a below-par total.
- Vinay Kumar (3/26) dismantled the middle order.
- Shahbaz Nadeem (1/19) kept the pressure on with his economical spell.
- Pawan Negi contributed by dismissing a well-set William Perkins.
Smart Batting Approach Sealed the Deal
Chasing 149, India Masters started cautiously but picked up pace in the middle overs.
- Rayudu’s knock (74 off 50 balls) was the backbone of the chase.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s quick 25 gave early momentum.
- Stuart Binny and Yuvraj Singh finished the game in style.
Match Statistics: IML 2025 Final Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies Masters | 148/7 | 20.0 |
| India Masters | 149/4 | 17.1 |
Top Performers – Batting
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours/Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambati Rayudu (IND) | 74 | 50 | 9/2 |
| Lendl Simmons (WI) | 57 | 41 | 5/1 |
| Dwayne Smith (WI) | 45 | 28 | 3/2 |
Top Performers – Bowling
| Bowler | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Vinay Kumar (IND) | 3 | 8.66 |
| Shahbaz Nadeem (IND) | 1 | 4.75 |
| Sulieman Benn (WI) | 1 | 7.25 |
Post-Match Reactions and Analysis
India Masters’ Celebration
The India Masters team erupted in joy as they lifted the IML 2025 trophy. Captain Sachin Tendulkar hailed his team’s performance, stating:
“It’s a fantastic moment for all of us. The team played brilliantly, and Rayudu’s knock was outstanding. Our bowlers set the platform, and the batters finished the job.”
Brian Lara’s Thoughts on the Loss
West Indies Masters captain Brian Lara acknowledged India Masters’ superior gameplay, saying:
“We had a good start, but we couldn’t capitalize. Credit to India Masters for executing their plans better. We’ll come back stronger next time.”
Why This Victory Matters for India Masters?
This win in the IML 2025 Final cements India Masters’ dominance in the veteran cricket circuit. The team displayed great coordination, experience, and hunger for victory, proving that cricketing excellence transcends age.
Lessons from the Match
- Disciplined bowling can turn the game around.
- Building partnerships is key in a run chase.
- Experience matters in high-pressure situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the IML 2025 Final?
India Masters defeated West Indies Masters by six wickets in the IML 2025 Final at Raipur.
2. Who was the top performer in the match?
Ambati Rayudu was the Man of the Match for his 74 off 50 balls, leading India Masters to victory.
3. How did Vinay Kumar contribute to the win?
Vinay Kumar picked up 3 wickets for 26 runs, breaking crucial partnerships and keeping West Indies Masters in check.
4. Where was the IML 2025 Final played?
The final took place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
5. What was West Indies Masters’ total score?
West Indies Masters scored 148/7 in 20 overs.
6. Who were the key bowlers for India Masters?
Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, and Pawan Negi played a crucial role in restricting the West Indies Masters’ batting lineup.
Conclusion
The IML 2025 Final was a thrilling encounter that saw India Masters emerge victorious against West Indies Masters by six wickets. Ambati Rayudu’s brilliant knock, Vinay Kumar’s bowling, and Shahbaz Nadeem’s economy played pivotal roles in the win.
With this victory, India Masters have established their dominance in veteran cricket, proving that age is just a number when it comes to the passion for the game. Fans were treated to a high-quality match, reminiscing about the glorious days of cricket legends.
Cricket lovers will now eagerly await the next season of the International Masters League, hoping for more action-packed encounters.
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