Rayudu, bowlers star as India beats West Indies to win inaugural International Masters League
Rayudu, bowlers star as India beats West Indies to win inaugural International Masters League
India defeated West Indies by six wickets to win the inaugural season of the International Masters League played in Raipur on Sunday.
Ambati Rayudu led the 149-run chase with a well-made 74 off 50 balls and got support, first from his opening partner, Sachin Tendulkar, and later from Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Yuvraj Singh.
Rayudu cracked boundaries all around the ground while Tendulkar rotated strike before displaying a vintage upper cut over deep third for a six. However, master blaster’s innings was cut short by Tino Best who trapped him in front.
Gurkeerat and Rayudu then took the chase further. India did lose three wickets in quick succession, but Yuvraj and Binny completed the formalities inside the 18th over.
Earlier, Dwayne Smith gave West Indies a quick start with his 45 off 35 balls but didn’t find enough support from captain Brian Lara and William Perkins at the top.
Shahbaz Nadeem got the ball to turn and made it difficult for the West Indian batters to hit him. Lendl Simmons dug in and scored a fighting 57 off 41 balls to take the score near the 150-run mark. However, it wasn’t enough to defend.
