The West Indies Masters held their nerve in a pulsating contest to defeat Sri Lanka Masters by six runs in the semi-final of the International Masters T20 League, securing their place in the final against India Masters on Sunday, March 16.
The victory was a measure of revenge for the Caribbean side, who had lost to Sri Lanka by 21 runs in the group stage. This time, Denesh Ramdin's unbeaten 50 and a crucial four-wicket haul from Tino Best ensured that the Windies averted a dramatic Sri Lankan comeback, setting up a rematch with India Masters, who had beaten them by seven runs earlier in the competition.
Batting first after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl, the West Indies suffered an early setback, losing Dwayne Smith for a duck in the opening over. Lendl Simmons (17 off 12) and William Perkins (24 off 30) then put together a 44-run stand, steadying the innings before both fell in quick succession.
At 48-3 in the eighth over, West Indies needed a stabilizing presence, and Brian Lara provided just that. The legendary left-hander, who retired out on 41 off 33 balls, played a vintage innings filled with elegant strokes, ensuring that West Indies did not lose momentum.
Best took 4 wickets for the Windies Masters
Ramdin then took over, crafting a crucial 50 off just 22 balls, anchoring a 49-run stand with Chadwick Walton (31 off 20) before finishing the innings strongly alongside Ashley Nurse (2 off 4).
The final push from Ramdin, which included four boundaries and two sixes, propelled West Indies to a competitive 179-5 in 20 overs, setting Sri Lanka a daunting chase.
Sri Lanka’s chase began aggressively, with Upul Tharanga (30 off 22) and Lahiru Thirimanne (9 off 7) adding 31 runs for the first wicket. However, Ashley Nurse made the key breakthrough, dismissing Kumar Sangakkara (17 off 15) in the fifth over.
West Indies turned the screws in the middle overs as Tino Best removed Tharanga and Thirimanne in quick succession, reducing Sri Lanka to 57-3 in the eighth over.
Asela Gunaratne (64 off 42) then staged a brilliant fightback, forming a 41-run partnership with Seekkuge Prasanna (9 off 10) and later adding a 39-run stand with Isuru Udana (21 off 10). The required run rate remained manageable, but West Indies kept striking at crucial intervals.
With Sri Lanka eyeing a remarkable victory in the final over, the game was on a knife’s edge. However, Best delivered when it mattered most, dismissing Dilruwan Perera (11 off 6) in the penultimate ball, before conceding just one run off the final delivery, as Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short at 173-9.
The West Indies Masters will now face India Masters in the final on Sunday, March 16, looking to avenge their seven-run loss in the group stage. With both teams having found their rhythm in the tournament, the final promises to be an exciting battle between two cricketing powerhouses.
Can the West Indies claim the title, or will India complete a perfect campaign? Fans won’t want to miss the grand finale of the International Masters T20 League 2025.