Eddie leie

South Africa Masters: A historic hat-trick from leg-spinner Rahul Sharma helped India Masters convincingly beat South Africa Masters by eight wickets in the second leg of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 as they continued their winning run in the tournament. Rahul Sharma turned the clock back to the golden era of India’s spin domination at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium as he helped the India Masters win comfortably.

Beyond the nostalgia, one thing remained unchanged — the competitive fire refused to fade. The reflexes may not be as sharp, the feet may not be as quick, but the desire to win burns just as fiercely. Every run, every wicket, and every dive carried the same passion that once enthralled millions. And with the iconic Sir Vivian Richards in attendance, it turned out to be a special evening for the jam-packed crowd.

While age may have caught up with them, the spirit of battle never will. The rivalries were renewed, and the passion was intact, as Saturday’s proceedings began with Sachin Tendulkar electing to bowl, and his spin bowlers taking full advantage of the conditions to restrict a strong South Africa Masters line-up to a meagre 85 in less than 14 overs.