Synopsis
In a thrilling start to the International Masters League 2025, India Masters narrowly defeated Sri Lanka Masters by four runs at DY Patil Stadium. The match featured explosive performances from cricket legends, including a stellar innings from Stuart Binny and electric late hitting by Yusuf Pathan.Key Takeaways
- Stuart Binny scored a blistering 68 runs off 31 balls.
- Yusuf Pathan added an impressive 56 not out off just 22 deliveries.
- Irfan Pathan took crucial wickets that changed the game's momentum.
- Sri Lanka fell short by four runs in a nail-biting finish.
- The match featured a total of 440 runs scored between both teams.
Navi Mumbai, Feb 23 (NationPress) The classic strokes, fiery spells, and memorable moments are back as the legends of the game revived rivalries and made history at the inaugural edition of the International Masters League 2025 (IML). In a nail-biting opener, India Masters edged out Sri Lanka Masters by four runs at the DY Patil Stadium, launching their campaign with flair.
Excitement filled the air as both teams showcased their talent, delivering a thrilling encounter that exemplified the electrifying cricket matches the IML promises. The action kicked off with batting icon Sachin Tendulkar being invited to bat by his counterpart Kumar Sangakkara. Tendulkar got India off to a strong start with a couple of boundaries before remarkable innings from Stuart Binny and Yusuf Pathan, along with key contributions from Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Yuvraj Singh, propelled the hosts to a formidable total.
Opening alongside Ambati Rayudu, Tendulkar received a rousing welcome from the packed crowd, responding with two effortless boundaries in the opening over off Isuru Udana before getting out. Following this, Stuart Binny and Gurkeerat Singh Mann unleashed a barrage of runs, forming an 87-run partnership for the third wicket. Binny's explosive 31-ball knock of 68 included seven towering sixes and three boundaries, while Mann narrowly missed a half-century with a 32-ball 44, helping the team reach 113 by the 12th over. After Mann's dismissal, Yuvraj Singh joined Binny, adding another 33 runs.
Yuvraj displayed flashes of his vintage self, combining grace with power in his unbeaten 22-ball 31, before Yusuf Pathan stepped in and stole the show with his explosive hitting. Yusuf's innings was nothing short of spectacular, amassing six incredible sixes and three boundaries for an unbeaten 56 off 22 balls, propelling India to their massive total.
For Sri Lanka Masters, Suranga Lakmal stood out as the leading bowler, claiming two wickets despite the battering his fellow bowlers endured.
In reply, skipper Sangakkara spearheaded Sri Lanka Masters’ chase with a stylish yet powerful 30-ball 51. He forged a critical 61-run partnership with Lahiru Thirimanne, who scored 24 runs off 17 balls. However, the introduction of Irfan Pathan dramatically shifted the game, as he took three quick wickets, including Sangakkara and Chaturanga de Silva in consecutive deliveries, stalling the run chase.
Despite setbacks, Asela Gunaratne (37 off 25) and Jeevan Mendis (42 off 17) kept the visitors in contention with a vital 68-run partnership for the sixth wicket until Dhawal Kulkarni broke the stand. Isuru Udana's quick-fire 23 off 7 balls included a six off his first delivery, swinging momentum back towards Sri Lanka, but Vinay Kumar's slower delivery restored calm among Indian fans.
The match's intensity was palpable as Sri Lanka required 9 runs from the final six balls, but Abhimanyu Mithun held his composure, securing two wickets for just five runs, sealing India’s victory.
Brief scores: India Masters 222/4 (Stuart Binny 68, Yusuf Pathan 56 not out, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 44, Yuvraj Singh 31 not out; Suranga Lakmal 2-34) beat Sri Lanka Masters 218/9 (Kumar Sangakkara 51, Jeevan Mendis 42, Asela Gunaratne 37; Irfan Pathan 3/39, Dhawal Kulkarni 2/34, Abhimanyu Mithun 2-41) by four runs.
