The 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar got the Mumbai crowd up on their feet as he smashed England pacer Tim Bresnan for a maximum followed by two fours during his cameo in the International Masters League T20 2025 clash on February 25. It was a comprehensive nine-wicket win for Tendulkar-led India Masters against England Masters at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
Poor batting display from England
Tendulkar won the toss and opted to bowl first. England could not utilise the powerplays. Phil Mustard and Eoin Morgan fell cheaply as England were 30/2 after six overs. Darren Maddy and Tim Ambrose hit one six each off Stuart Binny. England were 64/2 at halfway stage.
Left-arm spinner Pawan Negi knocked over Ambrose in the 11th over. He scored 23 runs from 22 balls. Negi in his last over dismissed Maddy as well. He scored 25 runs from 24 balls. Negi conceded just 16 runs in his quota of four overs. In the slog overs, Dhawal Kulkarni came back into the attack and dismissed Tim Bresnan and Steve Finch. Chris Schofield's unbeaten eight-ball 18 and Chris Tremlett's eight-ball 16 helped England post 132/8.
Blazing start for India
India's run chase got off to an ideal start with Gurkeerat Singh hitting Ryan Sidebottom and Bresnan for boundaries. Tendulkar joined him in the attack and hit Finn for a couple of fours. Tremlett was welcomed with a boundary each off Gurkeerat and Tendulkar's bat. In the fifth over, Tendulkar smashed Bresnan for a six over backward square leg and followed it up with a four each through mid wicket and extra covers. India Masters were 68 for no loss after powerplay overs.
Gurkeerat, Yuvraj finish it off
Schofield broke the partnership with Tendulkar's wicket. The opener scored 34 runs from 21 balls including five fours and a six. Yuvraj Singh arrived at the crease and whacked the ball for a six. The southpaw hit Sidebottom for three fours in the 11th over. In the 12th over, Gurkeerat reached his half-century with a boundary off 32 balls. He finished the run chase on the fourth ball of the over. India Masters won the game by nine wickets with 50 balls to spare.
This is India Masters' second victory on the trot. They are at the top of the points table with four points.
