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India Masters Crush Australia Masters to Secure IML 2025 Final Spot
The International Masters League (IML) 2025 witnessed a thrilling semifinal in Raipur as India Masters dominated Australia Masters with an emphatic 94-run victory. Fueled by Yuvraj Singh’s blistering 59 off 30 balls and Shahbaz Nadeem’s game-changing 4/15, India outclassed their arch-rivals to book their spot in the grand finale.
Led by Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters set a daunting total of 220/7, with explosive contributions from Yuvraj, Stuart Binny, and Yusuf Pathan. The Australian chase never gained momentum as Nadeem’s lethal spell dismantled their middle order, restricting them to 126 all out.
Yuvraj Singh’s Power-Hitting Headlines India’s Innings
After being put to bat on a flat track, India Masters started steadily despite early dismissals. Sachin Tendulkar (42 off 30) turned back the clock with his signature strokes, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
However, it was Yuvraj Singh who stole the show. Walking in after Sachin’s departure, he wasted no time in taking control, launching seven massive sixes to send the Raipur crowd into a frenzy. His 26-ball fifty—marked by a brutal assault on Bryce McGain—set the tone for a strong total.
Top Performers – India Masters Batting:
- Yuvraj Singh: 59 (30) | 7 Sixes, 1 Four
- Sachin Tendulkar: 42 (30) | 7 Fours
- Stuart Binny: 36 (21) | 5 Fours, 1 Six
- Yusuf Pathan: 23 (10) | 2 Sixes, 1 Four
- Irfan Pathan: 19* (7) | 2 Fours, 1 Six
As the innings progressed, Binny (36) and Yusuf Pathan (23) added crucial runs, while Irfan Pathan’s late blitz ensured India crossed the 220-run mark. Australia’s bowlers, led by Daniel Christian (2/40) and Xavier Doherty (2/30), struggled to contain India’s batting firepower.
Nadeem’s Spell Wrecks Australia Masters’ Chase
Chasing 221 for victory, Australia Masters were rocked early as Vinay Kumar removed the dangerous Shane Watson (5) and Shaun Marsh (21) inside the powerplay.
However, it was Shahbaz Nadeem who completely derailed Australia’s hopes. The left-arm spinner ran riot through the middle order, claiming four wickets in his spell. His dismissals of Ben Dunk (21), Nathan Reardon (21), Coulter-Nile (0), and Hilfenhaus (2) crushed Australia’s chances.
💥 Top Performers – India Masters Bowling:
- Shahbaz Nadeem: 4/15 (4)
- Vinay Kumar: 2/10 (3)
- Irfan Pathan: 2/31 (4)
- Pawan Negi: 1/16 (2)
Australia’s only resistance came from Ben Cutting (39 off 28 balls), but with wickets falling around him, the chase collapsed at 126 all out in just 16.3 overs.
What’s Next? The Road to the IML 2025 Final
With this win, India Masters have stormed into the IML 2025 Final, where they will await the winner of the Sri Lanka Masters vs. West Indies Masters semifinal.
🏏 Final Match Date: Sunday, March 17, 2025
📍 Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
📺 Where to Watch: Colors Cineplex & JioHotstar
Can India Masters lift the IML Trophy under Sachin Tendulkar’s leadership? Stay tuned for all the updates! 🚀🔥
📌 Brief Scores:
🏏 India Masters 220/7 (Yuvraj 59, Tendulkar 42, Binny 36, Yusuf 23; Doherty 2/30, Christian 2/40)
🏏 Australia Masters 126 all out (Cutting 39, Dunk 21, Marsh 21; Nadeem 4/15, Vinay 2/10, Irfan 2/31)
📢 India won by 94 runs!
