India Masters clinch International Masters League title

India Masters, led by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, won the first-ever International Masters League title after defeating Brian Lara's West Indies Masters in the final by 6 wickets. Despite their age, Indian cricket veterans like Yusuf Pathan and Yuvraj Singh celebrated the trophy victory with immense enthusiasm.

West Indies, batting first in the final, scored 148/7 in their allotted 20 overs. West Indies’ opener and cricketing icon, Brian Lara, faced only 6 balls and scored 6 runs before being dismissed early. After Lara’s departure, Lendl Simmons led the charge, making the highest score of 57 from 41 balls. Dwayne Smith, the other opener, contributed with 45 runs off 35 balls.

Indian pacer Binny Kumar was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs.

Chasing a modest target, India Masters began confidently with a solid opening partnership between Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu, who brought India to 67 runs. Tendulkar, the batting legend, was dismissed for 25 runs off 18 balls, including 2 fours and a six, off the bowling of Tino Best. However, Rayudu continued to impress, scoring a brilliant 74 runs from 50 balls, easing India’s path towards victory.

After Rayudu's departure, Yusuf Pathan was dismissed for a duck, but Yuvraj Singh (13*) and Stuart Binny (16*) finished the chase for India, guiding them to a 6-wicket victory with 2.5 overs to spare.

India Masters clinched the title and were crowned champions of the inaugural International Masters League.