The legends of the game rolled back the years as India Masters edged past Sri Lanka Masters by four runs in a high-scoring thriller to kick off the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 at the DY Patil Stadium.
The clash began with India Masters, led by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, invited to bat first by Sri Lanka Masters captain Kumar Sangakkara. Tendulkar got his team off to a flying start, hitting two crisp boundaries off Isuru Udana before his dismissal. Nevertheless, this did little to stem India's momentum as Stuart Binny and Gurkeerat Singh Mann formed a devastating alliance, launching a brutal assault against the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Binny’s explosive 31-ball 68 featured seven towering sixes and three boundaries, consolidations of which were supported by Mann’s fluent 32-ball 44, peppered with seven fours. Their 87-run partnership set the tone for what would become a formidable innings, as India raced to 113 by the 12th over. Yuvraj Singh then joined Binny, contributing 31 runs off 22 balls with his signature power-hitting, showcasing glimpses of his vintage form.
Yet, it was Yusuf Pathan who truly stole the show, smashing six sixes and three boundaries during his unbeaten 56 off just 22 balls. His performance propelled India to a monumental total of 222 for 4.
Sri Lanka Masters, facing the challenging target, saw Kumar Sangakkara leading their response with elegance, smashing 51 off 30 balls. Along with Lahiru Thirimanne, who contributed 24 runs, they formed a solid partnership for the second wicket. Just when it seemed Sri Lanka was finding its footing, Irfan Pathan came charging back to alter the match's dynamics. The left-arm pacer struck with two quick wickets, dismissing both Sangakkara and Chaturanga de Silva off consecutive balls, tilting the momentum back to India.
Despite the setback, the Sri Lankan side did not relent, with contributions from players like Jeevan Mendis and the resilient Udena. Mendis whacked 42 runs off just 17 balls, pushing for rapid runs alongside partner Gunaratne. Their 68-run partnership for the sixth wicket kept the match competitive until Dhawal Kulkarni dismissed Mendis, momentarily relieving the pressure on the Indian camp.
With the game reaching a nail-biting conclusion, Sri Lanka required nine runs off the final over. Abhimanyu Mithun, standing firm under pressure, restricted the imposing chase by conceding just five runs and capturing two wickets, ensuring India Masters clinched the victory by the narrowest of margins with Sri Lanka folding at 218 for 9.
This high-octane contest not only exemplified the skills and endurance of cricket's legendary figures but also set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying International Masters League.