Raipur (Chhattisgarh), [India], March 15 (ANI): West Indies Masters produced a comprehensive all-around performance, thanks to a half-century contribution from Denesh Ramdin and just as impactful a hit back Brian Lara , before Tino Best ' s haul of four wickets assisted the West Indies team in securing a victory by six runs over Sri Lanka Masters In the second semi-final of the International Masters League (IML) 2025, they secured their spot for a showdown against the team led by Sachin Tendulkar, the India Masters, in the championship match scheduled for Sunday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium located here.
Lara demonstrated remarkable form once again, spearheading his team's comeback with a fluent 41 runs against solid opposition. Sri Lanka Masters attack before Denesh Ramdin offered the final push with a blistering undefeated 50 to drive the team forward. West Indies Masters to 179/5. In reply, Sri Lanka Masters Could never bounce back after the initial shocks beforehand. Tino Best devised a sharp burst of fast bowling, claiming four wickets to ultimately limit the Islanders to 173/9.
Put in to bat, West Indies Masters were shaken initially when the in-form Dwayne Smith fell quickly. However, William Perkins (24) and Lendl Simmons (17) stabilized the innings, enduring the powerplay onslaught with a determined 43-run stand. As things started to look promising, Sri Lanka Masters hit twice in rapid succession, intensifying their hold and leaving the Caribbean team battling at 48/3.
This propelled the West Indies towards the heart of the inning, and despite being 55 years old, his movement around the crease was still agile, and his shots retained their grace just like during his peak. When Lara stepped up to bat with his characteristic flair, he assumed the responsibility of steadying the innings. Alongside Chadwick Walton, Lara formed a vital 60-run partnership, steering his side beyond the century mark.
Playing aggressively, Walton put pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers, scoring an impressive 31 runs off just 20 balls before Asela Gunaratne abruptly ending his counterattack, dealt with West Indies Masters Another obstacle. As the last spot was up for grabs and the match evenly balanced, Lara stepping into the center indicated that the West Indies Masters were far from done.
The legendary southpaw stood firm, navigating through the defense, skillfully maneuvering around the fielders, and maintaining the run rate as he departed following his 33-ball innings which included four boundaries and a six. Meanwhile, at the opposite end, the wicketkeeper-batter Denesh Ramdin offered an ideal contrast, then launched the assault against the opposing team with four boundaries and three colossal sixes during a rapid 22-ball innings of 50 runs, guaranteeing that the West Indies Masters moved nearer to the impressive sum.
Sri Lanka Masters Chase never really gained momentum as wickets fell consistently, placing them at a disadvantage from the start. Asela Gunaratne he was the sole batsman to step up when needed, scoring an impressive 66 runs off just 42 deliveries, including seven boundaries and one maximum, yet this commendable performance proved insufficient against a well-disciplined opponent. West Indies Masters bowling attack.
The West Indies Masters didn’t waste any time in making an impact, delivering a significant strike within the powerplay by claiming the key wicket of captain Kumar Sangakkara (17). Just as Sri Lanka Masters looked to rebuild, Tino Best cast a blazing charm, unsettling the Islanders with consecutive blows within just three throws, dismissing Upul Tharanga and Lahiru Thirimanna made them reel with the score at 57/3.
As the pressure intensified, Gunaratne remained resolute, fighting a solitary battle as he scored a rapid half-century off just 32 balls. This was followed by Jerome Taylor and Dwayne Smith exacerbating Sri Lanka’s difficulties; they dismissed Seekkuge Prasanna (9) and Chaturanga de Silva (1). Later, Best came back into his bowling spell and immediately made his mark by removing Jeevan Mendis, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 97/6 with over six overs remaining.
As Gunaratane remains at the crease and Isuru Udana capitalizes with efficient use of the bat for a quickfire 21 off just 10 balls, Sri Lanka Masters Their hopes were elevated as the duo formed a crucial 39-run alliance. However,Smith emerged victorious against the latter, effectively quelling their ambitions. This reduced the required run rate to Sri Lanka Masters needing 15 runs from the last over, Gunaratne hit Lendl Simmons for a six off the very first delivery. However, the bowler made an impressive recovery by dismissed Gunaratne off the last ball of the over.
On Sunday, the winners of the first semifinal at the India Masters will go up against the opponents. West Indies Masters in the much-anticipated IML 2025 title clash.
Brief Scores: West Indies Masters 179/5 off 20 overs (Dinesh Ramdin 50*) Brian Lara 41; Asela Gunaratne 1/14) vs Sri Lanka Masters 173/9 ( Asela Gunaratne 66, Upul Tharanga 30; Tino Best 4/27). (ANI)