IML 2025 Semifinal: Yuvraj’s Fifty, Nadeem’s Four-fer Seals Dominant Win for India Masters Vs Australia Masters

Last Updated:March 13, 2025, 23:29 IST

India Masters, Directed by Sachin Tendulkar, reach IML 2025 Closing with Yuvraj Singh’s half-century and Shahbaz Nadeem’s four-wicket haul, defeating Australia Masters by 94 runs.

India Masters beat Australia Masters by 94 runs in the IML 2025 semifinal.

Cricketing nostalgia was at its peak as the India Masters rode a power-packed half-century from Yuvraj Singh and a four-wicket burst from left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem to storm into the Closing of the International Masters Bracket (IML) 2025, after hammering the Australia Masters by 94 runs in the Primary semifinal.

For Sachin Tendulkar’s men, this was more than Merely a ticket to Sunday’s title Encounter — it was a chance to settle Aged scores, and they did it convincingly in front of a packed crowd at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Thursday.

The Raipur crowd erupted in anticipation as Sachin Tendulkar walked out to take charge of India Masters’ innings after being invited to bat by Australia Masters on a track tailor-Achieved for batting, and the iconic batter turned back time with a brisk 42-Stretch knock before Yuvraj Singh’s vintage hitting powered them to a daunting 220/7.

Unfazed by the Prompt losses of Ambati Rayudu (5) and Pawan Negi (11), Tendulkar stood firm, rolling back the years with impeccable Schedule and elegance. Every flick and drive reminded the world why he remains a timeless maestro as he displayed his signature drives, sweeps and flicks, to ensure the scoreboard kept moving. At the other end, Yuvraj Singh Achieved an emphatic Begin, launching a colossal six over midwicket to announce his arrival.

There was a brief hush in the stadium when Tendulkar survived two anxious moments on 25 and 35, but as soon as the danger passed, the iconic “Sachin! Sachin!” chants reverberated louder than ever. With the duo in Packed flow, their 47-Stretch partnership for the third wicket ensured a Sturdy foundation for a commanding total.

However, a Pair of overs later, a hush fell over Raipur. Ben Hilfenhaus struck, bringing Tendulkar’s sublime 30-ball knock, laced with seven boundaries, to an abrupt halt. With the master departing, it was time for another familiar hero to take Middle stage. Yuvraj Singh was at his vintage best, as he stepped on the accelerator, sending Bryce McGain into the stands thrice in one over to bring up a whirlwind 26-ball fifty. New man Stuart Binny wasted no time in asserting his Existence, cashing in on a reprieve on 11 off Hilfenhaus and finding boundaries at will.

Merely when the Yuvraj-Binny duo seemed unstoppable, Doherty managed to silence the crowd but not before Yuvraj had hammered seven sixes and a four in a sensational 30-ball stay. Yet, the fireworks were Extended from over as Yusuf Pathan walked in and launched a towering six over long on, while Binny ensured the onslaught continued as India raced to 199/4 by the 18th over.

The India Masters duo’s effort to go ballistic in the Closing two overs, however, did not bear fruit as Daniel Christian packed back both Binny and Yusuf Pathan in a span of four deliveries to apply the brakes. By that time, the right-handed pair had added 49 runs for the fifth wicket with Binny contributing with a 21-ball 36, laced with five hits to the fence and once over it, while Yusuf slammed a 10-ball 23, powered by two sixes and a four. In the end, Irfan Pathan’s 7-ball 19 propelled the home side to the challenging total.

In reply, Australia Masters’ chase was derailed by three quick wickets inside the powerplay, with Vinay Kumar Leading off proceedings by getting rid of the Threatening Shane Watson (5) cheaply before dismissing Shaun Marsh (21). Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, who was preferred for the high-stakes encounter, proved to be a masterstroke, as he Sprinted through the Australia Masters batting with an Unbelievable spell of 4/15 off his four overs. Nadeem struck in his Primary over with the scalp of Ben Dunk (21), before accounting for the wickets of Nathan Reardon (21), Nathan Coulter-Nile (0) and Ben Hilfenhaus (2) to put the visitors on the backfoot.

With Australia struggling at 49/3 after the powerplay, their troubles deepened when Stuart Binny Achieved an instant impact, snaring Daniel Christian (2). Desperate for stability, Reardon, coming off a half-century the previous night, looked to revive the innings. He was handed a lifeline after Binny missed a Pointed return catch, and the left-hander capitalized with a Pair of crisp boundaries, momentarily igniting hopes of a fightback.

However, those hopes were swiftly dashed as Nadeem returned to deliver a decisive blow, striking twice in consecutive deliveries. He Primary dismissed Reardon for a 14-ball 21, before trapping Nathan Coulter-Nile off the very Upcoming ball, reducing Australia Masters to a precarious 74/6. Fellow left-arm spinner Pawan Negi then packed Steve O’Keefe for a duck even as Ben Cutting raged a lone battle for his side, before eventually being dismissed by Irfan Pathan for 39 to end Australia’s hopes.

In the second semifinal on Friday, Sri Lanka Masters, who finished atop the IML points table after the group stage, will take on the West Indies Masters at the same venue. Fans can also View the action live on Colors Cineplex (HD & SD) and Colors Cineplex Superhits on TV and livestreaming on JioHotstar.

Brief Scores: India Masters 220/7 (Sachin Tendulkar 42, Yuvraj Singh 59, Stuart Binny 36, Yusuf Pathan 23; Xavier Doherty 2/30, Daniel Christian 2/40) beat Australia Masters 126 all out (Ben Cutting 39, Ben Dunk 21, Shaun Marsh 21; Shahbaz Nadeem 4/15, Vinay Kumar 2/10, Irfan Pathan 2/31) by 94 runs.

Location :

Raipur, India, India