Sports

IML 2025: Rahul Sharma’s Hat-Trick Leads India Masters to 8-Wicket Victory Over SA Masters

Published

1 year ago

March 3, 2025

In a remarkable display of skill, leg-spinner Rahul Sharma achieved a historic hat-trick, leading India Masters to a resounding victory over South Africa Masters by eight wickets in the second leg of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025. The triumph further solidified their winning streak in the tournament. At the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium, Rahul brought back memories of India’s golden age of spin dominance, propelling his team to an impressive win.

Despite the passage of time, one thing remained constant—the fierce competitive spirit refused to diminish. While reflexes may have dulled and feet may have lost some speed, the desire to win burned just as brightly as ever. Each run scored, each wicket taken, and every dive exemplified the same passion that once captivated millions. With the legendary Sir Vivian Richards in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, making it an unforgettable evening for the packed crowd.

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Age may have caught up with some players, but the warrior spirit remained intact. The fierce rivalries were rekindled, and passion saturated the atmosphere as Sachin Tendulkar opted to bowl first, allowing his spin bowlers to exploit the pitch conditions. They restricted the formidable South Africa Masters to a mere 85 runs in under 14 overs.

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The stadium buzzed with anticipation as Tendulkar walked out to spearhead India’s chase for 86 runs, the crowd erupting with every shot played by the batting maestro. South Africa Masters’ captain, Kallis, opted to open the bowling with spinners, a decision that bore fruit as off-spinner Thandi Tshabalala caught the Master Blaster with a simple return catch, quieting the crowd.

After Tendulkar’s exit, Ambati Rayudu took charge of the innings, accompanied by Irfan Pathan (12), who was promoted up the order to challenge the spinners. Pathan struck a couple of beautifully-timed boundaries before he fell prey to leg-spinner Eddie Leie, marking an early departure.

With India in a precarious position at 27/2 during the power-play, Pawan Negi stepped up to number four, showcasing his batting skills with a series of boundaries and a six. Teaming up with Rayudu, they forged an unbeaten 62-run stand, guiding India to a comfortable victory with nine overs remaining. Rayudu finished with an impressive 41 runs off 34 balls, hitting the boundary seven times.

Earlier in the match, Rahul Sharma, making his tournament debut, was brought into play during the third over of the mandatory power-play to halt the initial aggression from the South African openers, Hashim Amla and Henry Davids, who had blitzed to a rapid 35-run start.

Building momentum, Rahul struck decisively, dismissing Amla (9), Kallis, and Jacques Rudolph in his second over, effectively stifling scoring and revealing the South Africans’ vulnerability to quality spin.

Receiving valuable support from Pawan Negi, who trapped Farhaan Behardien, and then took down Davids, the top scorer for the visitors with 38 runs off 28 balls, South Africa found themselves at a dismal 63/5. Seeking stability, Tendulkar made a strategic move by employing Yuvraj Singh’s spin in the favorable conditions, leading to quick wickets for golden ducks from Vernon Philander and Garnett Kruger.

Yuvraj further showcased his talent by castling a well-set Dane Vilas for his third wicket, as the wicketkeeper-batter, fresh off a boundary, attempted another ambitious shot. With only one other batter reaching double digits, Vilas scored 21 off 15 balls. Stuart Binny then wrapped things up in his solitary over, claiming the wickets of Makhaya Ntini and Eddie Leie.

Brief scores:

South Africa Masters: 85 (Henry Davids 38, Dane Vilas 21; Rahul Sharma 3/18, Yuvraj Singh 3/12, Pawan Negi 2/21, Stuart Binny 2/1) lost to India Masters: 89/2 (Ambati Rayudu 41 not out, Pawan Negi 21 not out) by 8 wickets.

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Related Topics:8-Wicket Victory Hat-Trick IML 2025 Rahul Sharma’South Africa

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Complaint Filed Against Hardik Pandya Over Alleged National Flag Insult

Published

4 days ago

March 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory celebrations. The complaint was submitted to police in Pune by advocate Wajid Khan.

According to the complaint, Pandya wrapped the tricolour around his body and behaved in an inappropriate manner on the field after India’s win against New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium. The lawyer requested police to register an FIR and take legal action.

A police officer from Shivaji Nagar Police Station confirmed that the complaint application was received.

Meanwhile, Pandya celebrated India’s T20 World Cup victory and said winning back-to-back titles was a personal promise fulfilled. He also said this victory is only the beginning of the team’s success.

Pandya had a strong tournament performance with the bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries and took nine wickets during the competition.

Sports

Suryakumar,Gambhir and Jay Shah Visit Hanuman Temple after wining World cup

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: After India’s historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad and offered special prayers. The trio carried the World Cup trophy and sought the blessings of Lord Hanuman after India’s memorable win.

The visit came a day after India defeated New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this victory, India lifted its record third T20 World Cup title and created history in international cricket.

After losing the toss, India was asked to bat first by New Zealand. India got off to a strong start as Abhishek Sharma played a brilliant innings. He scored 52 runs from just 21 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive batting gave India early momentum.

Sanju Samson then continued the strong performance and built an important partnership with Abhishek Sharma. Later, Samson also shared a century partnership with Ishan Kishan, who played a powerful knock. Ishan Kishan scored 54 runs from 25 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Their partnership helped India cross the 200-run mark by the 16th over.

Although India lost a few quick wickets later, Shivam Dube played a crucial cameo. He scored 26 runs from just 8 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. His quick runs helped India finish with a massive total of 255 runs for the loss of five wickets. This became the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Chasing a huge target of 256 runs, New Zealand struggled under pressure. Indian bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to restrict the opposition. Axar Patel took three wickets for 23 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the star with four wickets for just 15 runs.

For New Zealand, Tim Seifert fought hard and scored 52 runs from 26 balls with two boundaries and five sixes. Daryl Mitchell scored 17 runs, while captain Mitchell Santner made 43 runs from 35 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships.

As a result, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs and suffered a heavy defeat. India won the match by 96 runs and celebrated one of the biggest victories in T20 World Cup history.

Following the victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav, coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy. They offered special prayers and thanked the deity for the team’s historic achievement. The visit reflected the team’s gratitude after winning the prestigious global tournament.

Sports

Ishan Kishan Plays World Cup Final Despite Personal Loss

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Ishan Kishan helped India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the death of his brother-in-law in a car accident two days before the final.

Because of the tragedy, his father Pranav Pandey could not travel to Ahmedabad for the match. Kishan also wanted to be with his family but stayed with the team due to the responsibility of the final.

In the final, Kishan played a brilliant innings and scored 54 runs off 25 balls. After reaching his half-century, he looked at the sky to pay tribute to his late brother-in-law.

He also took two important catches to dismiss Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert of New Zealand national cricket team.

Kishan finished the tournament with 317 runs in nine innings and became the fourth-highest run scorer.