India Secures Decisive Victory Over West Indies in Masters Final

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, India, roared with jubilation on March 17, 2025, as India Masters clinched the inaugural International Masters League (IML) title with a resounding six-wicket victory over the West Indies Masters. The match showcased a captivating blend of seasoned experience and undiminished talent, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Ambati Rayudu’s masterful half-century anchored India’s chase, while the bowling duo of Vinay Kumar and Shahbaz Nadeem laid the groundwork for victory with their economical spells. The win capped off a memorable tournament, cementing India Masters’ status as the first-ever IML champions.

The West Indies Masters, after being put into bat, posted a competitive total of 148 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Lendl Simmons spearheaded the innings with a vibrant 57 off 41 deliveries, adorned with five boundaries and a maximum. Dwayne Smith provided valuable support, contributing a brisk 45 off 35 balls, punctuated by six fours and two sixes. Their partnership laid a solid foundation for the West Indies, but the Indian bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs, preventing the Caribbean side from launching into a late flourish.

Vinay Kumar emerged as the pick of the Indian bowlers, snaring three wickets for a meager 26 runs in his four overs. His disciplined line and length, coupled with clever variations in pace, kept the West Indian batsmen in check. Shahbaz Nadeem provided excellent support at the other end, claiming two wickets for just 12 runs, showcasing his ability to stifle run flow and create pressure. Their combined efforts restricted the West Indies to a total that, while respectable, was within India’s reach, given the batting prowess in their ranks.

In response, India Masters embarked on their chase with confidence and authority. Ambati Rayudu spearheaded the pursuit, crafting a dazzling 74 off 50 balls, studded with nine fours and three sixes. He controlled the tempo of the innings with ease, showcasing his trademark blend of power and finesse. His innings effectively neutralized the West Indian bowling attack and paved the way for a comfortable victory.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, provided a solid start to the innings, contributing 25 runs at the top of the order. His presence at the crease added a touch of nostalgia and excitement for the fans. While he did not stay long enough to dominate the innings, his contribution stabilized the chase in the initial stages. Yuvraj Singh and Stuart Binny, coming in towards the end, ensured there were no hiccups in the chase, finishing on 13 not out and 16 not out respectively, and guiding India Masters to a comfortable victory with 2.5 overs to spare.

Ashley Nurse was the most successful bowler for the West Indies, picking up two wickets for 22 runs. However, his efforts were not enough to stem the flow of runs from the Indian batsmen. The India Masters’ dominant performance throughout the tournament culminated in a fitting finale, securing the inaugural IML title and reaffirming their status as a formidable force in the masters’ cricket arena. The victory marked a celebration of experience, skill, and the enduring passion for the game.