IML 2025: Sachin Tendulkar vs Brian Lara – Stage set for legendary showdown in International Masters League final
IML 2025: Sachin Tendulkar vs Brian Lara – Stage set for legendary showdown in International Masters League final
The stage is set for a clash between two Masters of cricket in the final of the inaugural edition of the International Masters League.
On Sunday, March 16, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara will lead India Masters and West Indies Masters, respectively, in the summit clash of the tournament at the SVNS International Stadium in Raipur.
India Masters, one of the pre-tournament title favourites, has enjoyed a near-perfect run through the IML, even as it avenged its only loss at the league stage against Australia Masters, by getting the better of Shane Watson’s side in the first semifinal, with a 94-run win on Thursday.
The home side began its campaign with an exciting four-run win against Sri Lanka Masters, after which it registered a convincing nine-wicket win against England Masters.
The India Masters then completed a hat-trick of wins with an eight-wicket win over South Africa Masters, before Australia Masters broke its winning streak in the fourth match.
Tendulkar’s side, however, regained the momentum by getting the better of West Indies Masters by seven runs, to finish second at the league stage of the tournament.
Meanwhile, West Indies Masters also began its campaign with back-to-back wins against Australia Masters and England Masters. However, it stumbled with consecutive losses to Sri Lanka Masters and India Masters.
A 29-run victory over South Africa Masters in its final group game secured its place in the semifinals. It held its nerve to edge out Sri Lanka Masters by six runs in the second semifinal on March 14.
