By -Tannu Puri
India Masters delivered a dominant and clinical performance against England Masters in the IML 2025, securing a 9-wicket victory in just 11.4 overs to chase down a target of 133. Gurkeerat Singh Mann played a stellar knock, top-scoring with an unbeaten 63*, while fans were treated to entertaining cameos from cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh, who looked as sharp as ever.
The much-anticipated International Masters League (IML) kicked off with a thrilling start, with the India Masters led by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar edging out a nail-biting four-run victory against Sri Lanka Masters in their opening match at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The win marked an impressive start for Tendulkar’s team, and they aimed to continue their momentum against England Masters, who were captained by the revolutionary Eoin Morgan. This marked England’s first match of the tournament.
The IML in Navi Mumbai promised plenty of runs, and it certainly delivered. The opening matches saw over 900 combined runs scored, with all four teams surpassing the 200-run mark and three teams crossing 220. The atmosphere was set for high-scoring encounters, and fans could expect a thrilling contest between two cricketing powerhouses.
In their opening game, India’s batting showed just what these legendary players were capable of, especially when facing bowlers who weren’t in their prime. Players like Stuart Binny and Yusuf Pathan muscled the ball to all corners of the ground, hitting several sixes and helping India post a commanding total.
However, the fans were waiting for one thing in particular—Sachin Tendulkar back at the crease. While he was dismissed for just 10 runs in the opening match, the glimpses of his class were evident, with a couple of trademark boundaries. In the second match against England, Tendulkar opened the batting, determined to make up for his previous outing and delight fans with a big knock.
For England Masters, this match was a significant test. While the team appeared to rely heavily on its bowlers, such as Steven Finn and Tim Bresnan, alongside the return of fan-favorite Monty Panesar, it was their batters, especially Eoin Morgan and Ian Bell, who needed to step up. Could they handle the formidable Indian batting lineup? Would they rise to the occasion on a pitch that was giving the batters plenty of opportunities to score?
India Masters, meanwhile, were in fine form, and the return of Tendulkar to his natural position as opener gave the team even more confidence. The presence of experienced players like Yuvraj Singh and Gurkeerat Singh Mann made India the team to beat, with the top order looking solid and capable of chasing down the total quickly.
The game unfolded as expected, with India Masters dominating the chase, thanks to an explosive start and key contributions from their top-order batters. Gurkeerat Singh Mann’s match-winning knock of 63* was complemented by brief but entertaining cameos from Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh, further emphasizing the depth of India’s batting lineup. Despite England Masters‘ best efforts, they could not contain the rampaging India team, as the chase was wrapped up in just 11.4 overs.
With this resounding victory, India Masters continued their perfect start in the inaugural IML 2025, securing two wins out of two, as they set their sights on more victories in the tournament. England Masters, on the other hand, will have to regroup and come back stronger in their future matches to keep their hopes alive.
All eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar and his team as they delivered yet another thrilling victory in the IML 2025, proving why they remain a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
