The India Masters defeated the South Africa Masters by eight wickets in the IML 2025. Rahul Sharma starred with a hat-trick, taking three wickets and helping to restrict South Africa to 85 runs. Ambati Rayudu’s unbeaten 41 led the response, securing victory in just 11 overs. This win marked the third consecutive success for India Masters.
In a remarkable showing during the International Masters League (IML) 2025, the India Masters triumphed over the South Africa Masters by eight wickets at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara. This victory marks their third consecutive win, highlighted by Rahul Sharma’s exceptional performance, achieving a historic hat-trick in his debut match of the tournament.
South Africa Masters, batting first after losing the toss, initially established a promising partnership between Hashim Amla and Henry Davids, scoring 35 runs. However, Rahul Sharma decisively disrupted their momentum, claiming the wickets of Amla, Jacques Kallis, and Jacques Rudolph within his second over. His spin bowling revealed the South African batting lineup’s frailty against quality spin.
Support came from Pawan Negi, who also excelled with the ball, dismissing Farhaan Behardien and Henry Davids, who managed to score 38 runs but could not prevent the team’s downfall. South Africa found themselves in dire straits at 63/5, prompting the need for a stable innings, which was further shattered by Yuvraj Singh’s impressive bowling.
Yuvraj Singh executed a remarkable display of spin bowling, achieving three dismissals, including that of Dane Vilas, who had shown promise but fell victim while attempting an ambitious shot. South Africa Masters ultimately succumbed to a total of 85 runs in 14 overs, with Rahul Sharma and Yuvraj Singh both claiming three wickets each, further dismantling the batting order.
In response, the India Masters chased down the target efficiently, with Ambati Rayudu remaining unbeaten at 41. Sachin Tendulkar contributed 6 runs and Irfan Pathan added 13, while Pawan Negi concluded the innings with an unbeaten 21. The victory solidifies the India Masters’ position in the tournament and showcases their formidable bowling lineup.
In summary, the India Masters demonstrated a dominant performance against the South Africa Masters, driven by Rahul Sharma’s exceptional spin bowling and Yuvraj Singh’s strategic contributions. The batting lineup efficiently secured the target, underscoring their growing momentum in the IML 2025. With this victory, the team is positioned favorably as they continue their campaign.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
