By Zainab Shafiq 
In a match brimming with nostalgia and masterful cricket, India Masters outclassed West Indies Masters by six wickets to claim the inaugural International Masters League (IML 2025) final trophy on Sunday. A blend of disciplined bowling and stellar batting ensured India’s triumph, marking a memorable night for cricketing greats and fans alike.
Bowlers Set the Tone Early for India Masters in IML Final
Electing to bat first, West Indies Masters had an explosive start, with Dwayne Smith leading the charge. His aggressive knock of 45 from 35 deliveries, peppered with boundaries and towering sixes, hinted at a big total. Partnering him, Brian Lara attempted to anchor the innings but was undone early by Vinay Kumar’s sharp bowling.
India’s disciplined attack, spearheaded by Vinay Kumar (3/26) and Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12), kept the scoring in check. Lendl Simmons fought back with a well-compiled 57 off 41 balls, but a lack of support from the lower order meant West Indies Masters finished at a modest 148/7.
Chasing 149, India Masters’ innings began with a touch of vintage brilliance. Sachin Tendulkar, ever the showman, gave fans a nostalgic treat, crafting elegant strokes in his 18-ball 25. A delightful late cut and a perfectly timed upper-cut six had the crowd reminiscing about his golden days. However, his innings ended prematurely when he mistimed a pull shot, caught at fine leg.
Rayudu’s Commanding Knock Seals the Deal
While Tendulkar provided the flair, Ambati Rayudu delivered the substance. His commanding 74 off 50 balls, featuring crisp boundaries and three maximums, ensured a smooth chase. Even after his dismissal, Yuvraj Singh (13*) and Stuart Binny (15*) wrapped up the match in just 17.1 overs, cementing India Masters’ victory with ease.
The match had all the elements of a classic: legendary players, breathtaking shots, and moments of brilliance. But at its heart, it was a celebration of cricketing heritage. India Masters lifted the trophy, not just with skill, but with a performance that reignited cherished memories of the past.
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