Courtesy: IML
In the International Masters League (IML) 2025 opening game between India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters, Yusuf Pathan displayed his batting exploits to the fullest, and took Sri Lanka’s bowling attack to the cleaners. Former India all-rounder walked into the middle in the 15th over of the game after Stuart Binny’s departure. Along with Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf paced India's innings and played some magnificent strokes from his bat.
In the penultimate over of the innings, left-arm pacer Isuru Udana became his victim. Confronting the southpaw, the 42-year-old smashed a couple of maximums in his first two deliveries.
After hitting consecutive boundaries, Yusuf refused to relent and went on to amass 17 runs for his team from the remaining four balls. In the last three balls, he hoarded 14 runs through two fours followed by a six, collecting 29 runs in total, which included three extras. Yusuf completed his fifty in just 20 balls and brought down curtains to India’s innings with a six against Suranga Lakmal on the last delivery of the 20th over. Riding on their all-rounders remarkable 56 off just 22, India Masters posted 222/4 on the board. Yusuf clobbered three fours and six maximums in his stunning knock.
Watch the fan video of Yusuf Pathan's innings here:
Stuart Binny flexed his muscle to hand momentum to India Masters
India Masters found themselves in trouble after losing openers Ambati Rayudu (five off five) and Sachin Tendulkar (10 off eight) early. In the crunch situation, Gurkeerat Singh stitched an 87-run stand off 48 balls with Stuart Binny. Gurkeerat lost his wicket to Chaturanga de Silva in the 12th over after hitting 32-ball 44.
Stuart Binny continued the onslaught against bowlers, and scored 68 off just 31. His innings was studded with 10 boundaries (three fours and seven maximums). Along with Yuvraj Singh, Binny built a 33-run stand off just 22 balls. After Binny’s departure, Sri Lanka faced spunky Yuvraj, who stood at the crease until the end and scored an unbeaten 31 off 22.
