The great Sachin Tendulkar demonstrated that age is nothing more than a number in an exciting exhibition of vintage cricket on Tuesday, helping India Masters defeat England Masters by nine wickets in the International Masters League (IML). At the DY Patil Sports Academy, India Masters defeated a small target of 132 in just 11.4 overs, with Tendulkar’s powerful 21-ball 34 setting the tone for the chase.
The India Masters started their chase in style, chasing 132. From the beginning, the legendary Tendulkar, who led the team with his incomparable cricketing skills, got to work. With five graceful boundaries and a soaring six, his clean strokeplay was evocative of his best days. He hit three consecutive boundaries off Chris Schofield’s bowling in the fifth over, which stands out as his most memorable moment. Fans who had gathered to see the master at work once more found it to be a reassuring sight.
However, Tendulkar’s spectacular start was cut short when Schofield removed him, but not before he left the audience speechless. Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who replaced him, carried on the assault with an incredible 63* off 35 balls. With his unwavering confidence, Mann was able to find the boundaries with ease and calmly anchor the chase, ensuring that the India Masters reached their target without any more concerns.
The always flamboyant Yuvraj Singh, who finished not out on 27 off just 14 deliveries, joined Mann in adding an explosive touch to the chase. His brief yet powerful innings, which were full of forceful strokes, guaranteed the India Masters victory. The Indian team completed a strong showing by forming a quick combination, which helped the host side win the competition for the second time in a row.
Masters won the toss earlier in the evening and chose to bowl first, a move that immediately paid off. Throughout the innings, the bowlers, led by seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, kept the England Masters batsmen alert. Kulkarni finished with outstanding numbers of 3/21 in his four overs, making him the most impressive player with the ball. Despite some encouraging starts from their batsmen, his precision and variety made sure that England never settled into a rhythm.
Despite being among the top scorers, Tim Ambrose and Darren Maddy of England were unable to turn their starts into significant goals. After Kulkarni established the pace, the England Masters were reduced to a respectable 132/8 in their 20 overs by the disciplined bowling of left-arm spinner Pawan (2/16) and quick bowler Abhimanyu Mithun (2/27).
Indian bowlers performed brilliantly, displaying a combination of intellect and accuracy. They maintained pressure on England throughout their innings with strong bowling and superb fielding. Ultimately, the India Masters’ all-around skill was evident as they won the match handily in just 11.4 overs.
This exciting victory demonstrated the depth of potential in the India Masters team in addition to Tendulkar’s genius. The Indian squad is undoubtedly a formidable force as the competition goes on, and both cricketing legends and spectators will undoubtedly be inspired by their outstanding performance.