India Masters defeated West Indies Masters by 6 wickets in the IML 2025 final. West Indies scored 148 runs in Raipur, a total India chased down with 4 wickets remaining.
IML 2025 Final: The final match of the International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 was held on Sunday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. In a thrilling encounter, India Masters secured victory over West Indies Masters by 6 wickets, claiming the championship title.
West Indies Masters' Strong Start
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, West Indies Masters began impressively. Dwayne Smith and captain Brian Lara put on a 34-run partnership for the first wicket off 23 balls. However, the Indian bowlers soon found their rhythm. Vinay Kumar broke the partnership, dismissing Brian Lara for 6 runs.
Dwayne Smith's Excellent Innings
Opener Dwayne Smith played an aggressive innings, scoring 45 runs off 35 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes. After his dismissal, West Indies Masters' innings faltered somewhat. Ravi Rampaul (2) and William Perkins (6) quickly followed him back to the pavilion.
Lendl Simmons' Half-Century
Veteran batsman Lendl Simmons attempted to steady the innings. He played a commendable innings of 57 runs off 41 balls. Simmons and Dinesh Ramdin added a valuable 61-run partnership, guiding the team to a respectable total. In the final over, Lendl Simmons and Ashley Nurse (1) were dismissed, leaving Dinesh Ramdin unbeaten on 12.
Excellent Performance by Indian Bowlers
For India, Vinay Kumar was the most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets. Shahbaz Nadeem claimed 2 wickets, while Pawan Negi and Pragyan Ojha each took one. West Indies Masters finished on 148 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs.
Sachin-Rayudu's Excellent Partnership
Chasing 149 runs, India Masters started confidently. The opening partnership between Ambati Rayudu and Sachin Tendulkar yielded 67 runs for the first wicket. Sachin scored 25 runs off 18 balls, including 2 fours and a six. He was caught out in the 8th over.
Rayudu's Match-Winning Innings
Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) didn't last long, but Ambati Rayudu continued his aggressive batting. He scored 74 runs off 50 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Rayudu's innings steered the team towards victory.
Yusuf Pathan was dismissed for a duck, but Yuvraj Singh (13) and Stuart Binny (16*) guided the team to victory in the 17.1 over.
