Sachin Tendulkar’s India Masters clinched the inaugural International Masters League title in Raipur on Sunday, defeating Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters by six wickets. The victory was set up by a strong all-round performance, with India dominating both with the ball and the bat.
The foundation of India’s triumph was laid by bowlers Vinay Kumar (3-0-26-3) and Shahbaz Nadeem (4-1-12-2), who restricted West Indies Masters to 148/7. Despite a fighting fifty from Lendl Simmons (57 off 41 balls, 5×4, 1×6) and a 61-run stand with Denesh Ramdin (12 not out), the Caribbean side struggled to accelerate in the final overs. Dwayne Smith’s brisk 45 off 35 balls (6×4, 2×6) had given them a promising start, but Nadeem and Vinay Kumar applied the brakes at crucial moments.
India’s chase was anchored by Ambati Rayudu, who played a match-winning knock of 74 off 50 balls (9×4, 3×6). Tendulkar, rolling back the years, enthralled the packed crowd with a brief but sparkling 25-run innings off 18 balls (2×4, 1×6). He showcased his trademark shots, including a late cut off Jerome Taylor for four and an audacious upper-cut six over third man, before falling to Tino Best. His 67-run opening stand with Rayudu in just 7.5 overs set the tone for an easy chase. Yuvraj Singh (13 not out) and Stuart Binny (15 not out) completed the win in 17.1 overs.
Apart from the on-field action, the tournament saw passionate displays of competitive cricket despite being a contest of retired players. Yuvraj Singh’s verbal spat with Tino Best in the final exemplified the intensity of the matches.
Following their victory, Tendulkar lifted the trophy as India Masters celebrated their ₹1 crore prize. The West Indies Masters, featuring players like Ravi Rampaul, Sulieman Benn, and Chris Gayle in earlier matches, finished as runners-up and received ₹50 lakh. Rayudu, named Player of the Match, earned ₹50,000 for his stellar knock.
Awards and Prize Money
Match Awards:
- Bank of Baroda Masterstroke of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (9 fours) – ₹50,000
- Most Sixes in the Match: Ambati Rayudu (3 sixes) – ₹50,000
- Gamechanger of the Match: Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12 in 4 overs)
- Most Economical Bowler: Shahbaz Nadeem (economy rate of 3.00)
- Player of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (74 runs off 50 balls) – ₹50,000
Season Awards:
- Most Fours in the Season: Kumar Sangakkara (38 fours) – ₹5 lakh
- Most Sixes in the Season: Shane Watson (25 sixes) – ₹5 lakh
India Masters’ triumph was a nostalgic treat for cricket fans, as legends of the game showcased glimpses of their past brilliance in an electrifying final.
Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @sachin_rt
