Yuvraj Singh’s explosive fifty powered India Masters to a massive 220/7 against Australia Masters in the IML 2025 semi-final, setting up a thrilling contest.
New Delhi: Cricketing nostalgia was at its peak as India Masters locked horns with Australia Masters in the first semifinal of the International Masters League (IML) 2025. With a place in the final at stake, the home side delivered a power-packed performance, posting a formidable 220/7, thanks to skipper Sachin Tendulkar’s classy 42 and Yuvraj Singh’s explosive half-century.
The Raipur crowd erupted as Sachin Tendulkar strode onto the field, leading India Masters’ charge after being invited to bat. However, early blows from Australia Masters’ spin duo, Steve O’Keefe and Xavier Doherty, saw Ambati Rayudu (5) and Pawan Negi (11) depart cheaply, threatening to derail the innings.
Tendulkar Rolls Back the Years
Unfazed by the setbacks, Tendulkar displayed vintage elegance, stroking the ball with his signature precision. His classical drives, sweeps, and flicks ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh made an emphatic start, launching a colossal six over midwicket to announce his arrival.
The Master and The Prince Take Charge
The duo stitched together a vital 47-run partnership for the third wicket, laying a strong foundation. The stadium held its breath as Tendulkar survived two anxious moments on 25 and 35, but once settled, he dazzled with impeccable stroke play. His sublime 30-ball knock, decorated with seven boundaries, ended when Ben Hilfenhaus struck, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
Yuvraj Unleashes Mayhem
With the master departing, Yuvraj Singh took center stage. The southpaw rolled back the years, smashing Bryce McGain for three massive sixes in a single over, racing to a blistering 26-ball half-century. At the other end, Stuart Binny wasted no time, capitalizing on a lifeline at 11 and finding the boundary with ease.
Late Fireworks Propel India to a Mammoth Total
Just as Yuvraj and Binny looked set for a bigger assault, Doherty struck again, sending Yuvraj back to the pavilion. However, his 30-ball blitz, featuring seven sixes and a four, had already set the tone. Yusuf Pathan then walked in and immediately launched a towering six, while Binny ensured the carnage continued, pushing India to 199/4 by the 18th over.
Final Flourish and Quick Strikes
Daniel Christian struck twice in the 19th over, dismissing both Binny (36 off 21) and Yusuf Pathan (23 off 10), momentarily halting India’s charge. Despite this, Irfan Pathan’s fiery 7-ball 19 added the finishing touches, guiding India Masters to a challenging 220/7.
With a star-studded batting performance, India Masters have given themselves a strong chance of securing a place in the IML 2025 final. The focus now shifts to their bowling unit, as they look to defend their total and book a spot in the title clash.
