India emerged victorious in the final of the inaugural International Masters League (IML), securing a six-wicket win over the West Indies in a thrilling contest.
The victory was powered by a strong batting performance, with Ambati Rayudu leading the charge as India comfortably chased down a target of 149.
Rayudu played a match-winning knock, scoring 74 off just 50 balls, ensuring that India remained in control throughout the chase. Opening the innings, Sachin Tendulkar and Rayudu provided India with a flying start, which left West Indies with little hope of staging a comeback.
Tino Best and Yuvraj Singh had a brief heated exchange in the middle, adding to the intensity of the match, but it did little to alter the course of India’s dominant chase.
Earlier in the match, West Indies captain Brian Lara won the toss and opted to bat first. Dwayne Smith gave his team a solid start during the powerplay, but India’s bowlers quickly regained control.
Lara was dismissed in the fourth over by Vinay Kumar, a crucial breakthrough that put India on the front foot. Shahbaz Nadeem played a pivotal role in restricting the West Indies to 148/7 in 20 overs, conceding just 12 runs in his four overs. Vinay Kumar also contributed significantly, taking 3/26 in his three-over spell.
Despite losing their captain early, West Indies managed to maintain a competitive run rate, with Smith playing a crucial role in keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, India’s disciplined bowling attack ensured that the Caribbean side never gained complete control over the game.
Throughout the tournament, both India and the West Indies displayed dominant performances, remaining largely unchallenged. However, West Indies suffered two defeats in the league stage—one against Sri Lanka by 21 runs and another against India by seven runs.
The semi-finals were a tougher challenge for Lara’s team, but they managed to avenge their loss to Sri Lanka, winning by six runs in a tense last-over finish.
India, on the other hand, cruised to the final with an emphatic 94-run win over Australia. Shahbaz Nadeem was the star of that match as well, taking four wickets while Australia collapsed for 126 while chasing a mammoth 221.
India’s top order, led by Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh, ensured a dominant performance with the bat. Tendulkar provided early momentum with a 42-run knock, while Yuvraj hammered 59 off 30 balls. The Pathan brothers, Yusuf and Irfan, then finished the innings in style, pushing India’s total to 220/7.
In the final, India’s commanding display ensured that they remained in complete control for most of the match. With a well-rounded team effort and clinical execution, they cemented their place as champions of the first-ever International Masters League.
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