India Masters Enter IML 2025 Semifinals with Thrilling Win Over West Indies Masters
Raipur: India Masters secured a spot in the semifinals of the International Masters League (IML) 2025 with a thrilling seven-run victory over West Indies Masters in Raipur on Saturday. The home side, led by stand-in skipper Yuvraj Singh, delivered a commanding batting performance before Stuart Binny’s three-wicket burst and Irfan Pathan’s composed final over sealed the win in a high-scoring encounter.
Explosive Batting Sets the Tone
Batting first after Brian Lara won the toss, India Masters posted a formidable 253/3, thanks to blistering half-centuries from Ambati Rayudu (63 off 35) and Saurabh Tiwary (60 off 32). The duo forged a 94-run opening stand, attacking the West Indies bowlers from the outset. While Rayudu dominated the spinners, Tiwary anchored the innings, later stitching a crucial 79-run partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (46).
Despite losing wickets at intervals, India’s momentum remained strong, courtesy of Yuvraj’s unbeaten 49 off just 20 balls. His late fireworks, coupled with Yusuf Pathan’s cameo (14*), propelled India to their massive total.
West Indies’ Fiery Chase Falls Short
In reply, West Indies Masters matched India’s aggression, with openers Dwayne Smith (79 off 34) and William Perkins (52 off 23) launching a fierce counterattack. Their 121-run stand put the visitors in a strong position before Pawan Negi’s crucial breakthrough dismissed Perkins.
Lendl Simmons (38 off 12) then took center stage, smashing 34 runs in an over off Rahul Sharma. However, India fought back as Negi removed Simmons, while Binny’s triple strike—including Smith, Jonathan Carter, and Kirk Edwards—turned the game in India’s favor.
Needing 24 off the final over, West Indies Masters relied on Ashley Nurse (21*) and Narsingh Deonarine (28). But Irfan Pathan held his nerve, conceding only 16 runs despite a first-ball boundary from Lara, sealing India’s place in the semifinals.
Match Summary:
India Masters: 253/3 (Ambati Rayudu 63, Saurabh Tiwary 60, Yuvraj Singh 49*, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 46)
West Indies Masters: 246/6 (Dwayne Smith 79, William Perkins 52, Lendl Simmons 38; Stuart Binny 3/13, Pawan Negi 2/27)
Result: India Masters won by 7 runs.
With this victory, India Masters advance to the semifinals, keeping their title hopes alive in front of an electrified crowd at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
