India Masters Storm into IML 2025 Final with Dominant 94-Run Win Over Australia Masters
The India Masters delivered an exhilarating performance to defeat Australia Masters by 94 runs in the first semifinal of the International Masters League (IML) 2025, securing their place in Sunday’s final. Led by a power-packed half-century from Yuvraj Singh and a sensational four-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, India dominated the contest in front of an electrified crowd at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
The match was a chance for Sachin Tendulkar’s men to settle old scores, and they did so with flair. Invited to bat first by Australia, the India Masters were off to a solid start as Tendulkar, playing with the elegance that made him a cricketing legend, contributed a quickfire 42. Yuvraj Singh, who played a defining role in the innings, followed up with a vintage performance, launching sixes and boundaries with characteristic power and precision, taking India to a daunting total of 220/7.
Tendulkar’s innings, which featured seven boundaries, provided the foundation for the India Masters’ aggressive assault. Despite early wickets, including the dismissals of Ambati Rayudu (5) and Pawan Negi (11), the partnership between Tendulkar and Yuvraj for the third wicket built the innings. However, it was Yuvraj’s explosive 59 from just 30 balls, including seven sixes, that stole the show. Stuart Binny contributed a valuable 36 off 21 balls, while Yusuf Pathan added quick runs, propelling India to a commanding total.
In response, Australia’s chase was quickly derailed by an early collapse. Vinay Kumar was key in dismissing Shane Watson (5) and Shaun Marsh (21), while Nadeem’s magical spell of 4/15 turned the game in India’s favor. Nadeem’s efforts were a masterstroke, as he dismantled Australia’s middle order, taking wickets at crucial moments. Australia Masters struggled to recover from 49/3 and, despite a valiant 39 from Ben Cutting, were eventually bowled out for 126 in just 17.4 overs.
Shahbaz Nadeem’s brilliant bowling was supported by strong performances from Vinay Kumar (2/10) and Irfan Pathan (2/31), as India’s bowlers restricted Australia at every turn. Pawan Negi also contributed with a timely wicket, dismissing Steve O’Keefe for a duck.
With the win, India Masters are now set to face the winner of Friday’s second semifinal between Sri Lanka Masters and West Indies Masters. The India Masters will aim for a title victory in what promises to be an exciting final.
Brief Scores:
- India Masters 220/7 (Sachin Tendulkar 42, Yuvraj Singh 59, Stuart Binny 36, Yusuf Pathan 23; Xavier Doherty 2/30, Daniel Christian 2/40)
- Australia Masters 126 all out (Ben Cutting 39, Ben Dunk 21, Shaun Marsh 21; Shahbaz Nadeem 4/15, Vinay Kumar 2/10, Irfan Pathan 2/31)
India Masters won by 94 runs.
