India Masters made history by securing the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title, triumphing over West Indies Masters by six wickets in a spectacular finale that echoed the nostalgia of cricket’s golden days.

Under the leadership of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters delivered a stellar all-round performance, defeating Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters in front of nearly 50,000 enthusiastic fans at the SVNS International Stadium late on Sunday evening.

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Designed around nostalgia, skill, and the enduring passion for the game, the tournament brought thrilling matchups, culminating in a climactic showdown between two cricketing giants — India Masters and West Indies Masters. The grand finale had all the elements of a classic encounter: a packed stadium, historic players reliving their glory days, and fans eagerly anticipating an epic battle. India Masters restricted the opposition to a modest 148/7, with Master Blaster Tendulkar contributing to a brisk 67-run opening partnership alongside Ambati Rayudu (74), setting the stage for a successful chase.

With their impressive batting display, India Masters put on a show as Tendulkar and Rayudu mesmerized the crowd with some classic stroke play. Tendulkar showcased his finesse with elegant cover drives and exquisite flicks, while Rayudu adopted an aggressive approach, expertly dismantling the West Indies Masters bowling attack. The 51-year-old star entertained fans with several boundaries and a six during his entertaining 18-ball performance before being dismissed by a sharp delivery from Tino Best, momentarily silencing the exuberant crowd.

However, Rayudu kept the momentum going, racing to a 34-ball half-century with a boundary off Best, while his second-wicket partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) added another 28 runs to the total. Mann’s express intent for a big shot ended with him being dismissed by off-spinner Ashley Nurse, bringing Yuvraj Singh (13 not out) to the crease amid cheers from the crowd.

As India Masters approached victory, the West Indies Masters’ spinners delayed the inevitable with key wickets, including Rayudu, who fell to left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn after scoring nine fours and three enormous sixes in his 50-ball innings, and Yusuf Pathan, who was trapped lbw by Nurse. Nevertheless, with 17 runs required from the last 28 deliveries, Stuart Binny (16 not out) sealed the victory in style, hitting two massive sixes.

Earlier, India Masters’ bowlers set the tone after West Indies chose to bat, limiting them to a disappointing 148/7, mainly thanks to Lendl Simmons’ half-century.

In a bold move, Brian Lara opened the innings but managed only six runs. His presence alone stirred a wave of emotion among the crowd. Alongside the dynamic Dwayne Smith (45), Lara began aggressively, leading to a quick 34-run start within four overs, prompting Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar to rethink his strategies.

Yet, cricket has its ups and downs, and it was Vinay Kumar who struck first by dismissing Lara, abruptly halting West Indies’ momentum. The crowd, which had been silenced by the initial assault, erupted in appreciation for the legendary batsman.

William Perkins (6) replaced Lara but soon fell to Shahbaz Nadeem’s clever bowling. Dwayne Smith continued to impress with six boundaries and two sixes before Nadeem dismissed him as well, further tightening India Masters’ grip on the match. Ravi Rampaul’s attempt to counter left-arm spin failed, as Stuart Binny dismissed him cheaply.

A subsequent blow came as Pawan Negi bowled Chadwick Walton (6) right after he had been cleared for a towering six. Amidst the turmoil, Lendl Simmons stood firm, scoring a rapid 34-ball fifty while anchoring the innings with a vital 61-run partnership with wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (12 not out), who played a supporting role. Simmons eventually fell after 41 balls for 57 runs, filled with five boundaries and a six, as India Masters managed to keep West Indies Masters to an underwhelming total.

For India Masters, Vinay Kumar was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 3/26, while Shahbaz Nadeem bagged two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny contributed with a wicket apiece.

Brief Scores: West Indies Masters 148/7 (Lendl Simmons 57, Dwayne Smith 45; Vinay Kumar 3/26, Shahbaz Nadeem 2/12) lost to India Masters 149/4 (Ambati Rayudu 74, Sachin Tendulkar 25, Stuart Binny 16 not out; Ashley Nurse 2/22) by six wickets.