Yuvraj Singh's 7 sixes lead India Masters to victory over Australia Masters in IML 2025 semi-final

The atmosphere in Raipur was electric as Sachin Tendulkar strode out to lead the India Masters' innings, chosen to bat first against Australia Masters on a pitch perfect for scoring runs. The legendary cricketer reminded fans of his glory days with a swift 42-run innings, setting the stage for Yuvraj Singh to unleash his signature power hitting and drive them to a commanding total of 220/7. The crowd roared in excitement, witnessing their cricket heroes showcase their skills once again.

Unfazed by the early losses of Ambati Rayudu and Pawan Negi , Tendulkar stood firm, rolling back the years with impeccable timing 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 made an emphatic start, 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 full flow, their 47-run partnership for the third wicket ensured a strong foundation for a commanding total.

However, a couple 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 centre 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 presence, cashing in on a reprieve on 11 off Hilfenhaus and finding boundaries at will.

Just 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 far 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 final 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 starting off proceedings by getting rid of the dangerous Shane Watson cheaply before dismissing Shaun Marsh . Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, who was preferred for the high-stakes encounter, proved to be a masterstroke, as he ran through the Australia Masters batting with an incredible spell of 4/15 off his four overs. Nadeem struck in his first over with the scalp of Ben Dunk , before accounting for the wickets of Nathan Reardon , Nathan Coulter-Nile and Ben Hilfenhaus to put the visitors on the backfoot.

With Australia struggling at 49/3 after the powerplay, their troubles deepened when Stuart Binny made an instant impact, snaring Daniel Christian . 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 sharp return catch, and the left-hander capitalized with a couple 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 first dismissed Reardon for a 14-ball 21, before trapping Nathan Coulter-Nile off the very next 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.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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