What a match! The International Masters League (IML) 2025 kicked off with a bang as India Masters edged past Sri Lanka Masters by just 4 runs in a high-voltage thriller at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. This nail-biting encounter saw a spectacular chase, power-packed performances, and some serious nostalgia for cricket fans as legends of the game returned to the field.
Let’s dive into the highlights of this breathtaking contest!
A Perfect Start to the IML 2025
The first match of IML 2025 delivered everything fans hoped for! Nearly 450 runs were scored in the game, making it a run-fest that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. India Masters put up a solid total, but Sri Lanka Masters gave them a tough fight till the very last over.
India Masters Set a Massive Target
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka Masters chose to bowl first. India Masters started cautiously but soon picked up the pace. The key highlights of the innings were:
- Stuart Binny laid the foundation with a steady knock.
- Yusuf Pathan played a blinder at the death, smashing huge sixes and accelerating India’s total.
- The final score: India Masters – 224/6 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka Masters’ Brave Chase Falls Just Short
Chasing 225, Sri Lanka Masters had a shaky start but quickly found their rhythm. Kumar Sangakkara played a captain’s knock, while Jeevan Mendis’ explosive 42 off 17 balls brought Sri Lanka back into the game. However, the Indian bowlers held their nerves in the final overs to seal the victory.
Heroes of the Match
- Irfan Pathan – The veteran all-rounder picked up three crucial wickets (Sangakkara, Thirimanne, and de Silva), putting a brake on Sri Lanka’s momentum.
- Vinay Kumar & Abhimanyu Mithun – Both delivered clutch overs at the end, restricting Sri Lanka from reaching the target.
- Yusuf Pathan – His power-hitting turned the game in India’s favor.
Final Over Drama – India Snatch Victory!
With Sri Lanka needing just 10 runs off 8 balls, the game was slipping away from India. But then:
- Mithun bowled a dream final over, conceding just 5 runs!
- Sri Lanka lost 3 wickets in the final 8 balls, crumbling under pressure.
- Final score: Sri Lanka Masters – 220/9 in 20 overs.
Fans Relive the Magic of Legends
Watching legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Kumar Sangakkara, and Lahiru Thirimanne back in action was an absolute treat. The nostalgia factor made this match even more special!
What’s Next in IML 2025?
With India starting strong, the competition is only going to get tougher. The league will feature teams from Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies, with every match promising exciting action.
Cricket fans, fasten your seatbelts—IML 2025 is just getting started!
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