With the West Indies needing 24 in the final over, Irfan Pathan used his expertise to his advantage, limiting the opposition to 246, resulting in a seven-run victory.
Yuvraj Singh, a former India batsman and 2011 ODI World Cup winner, batted an unbeaten 49 to help India Masters defeat West Indies Masters in the last leg of the International Masters League (IML) 2025 on Saturday in Raipur.The stage was set for a nostalgic battle between two of cricket’s most iconic rivals: Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. While the Indian superstar rested, the tournament delivered a riveting mix of nostalgia and intense action.
The India Masters set the tone with a powerful batting showing, driven by searing half-centuries from Ambati Rayudu and Saurabh Tiwary, before Yuvraj’s late-order fireworks propelled the team to an impressive 253 for three.West Indies Masters responded to India’s onslaught with an exciting start. Dwayne Smith (79) and William Perkins (52) mounted a spirited reaction, hitting damaging fifties to form a frightening 121-run opening stand.
However, just when the visitors appeared to have the upper hand, Stuart Binny’s entrance turned the tide. He claimed three important wickets, derailing the chase.
It all came down to the last over, with the West Indies needing 24. However, Irfan Pathan, who had been struck for 20 in the previous over, used his experience to his advantage, reducing his opponent to 246 for six.
