The International Masters League got off to a thrilling start on February 22, with the first match pitting India Masters against Sri Lanka Masters at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. India’s batting lineup, however, didn’t quite get the explosive start they were hoping for, as Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu were dismissed relatively cheaply. But then, Stuart Binny, son of BCCI chairman Roger Binny, walked onto the field and changed the game’s dynamic entirely.
## BCCI Chairman’s Son Creates a Tornado
The Indian team found themselves in a bit of a pickle, losing their second wicket with only 26 runs on the board, courtesy of Sachin Tendulkar’s early dismissal. Stuart Binny then took to the crease at number four, and initially, his innings was off to a slow start – his account was opened on the fifth ball, and he managed only 3 runs off the first 8 balls. However, Binny wasn’t one to be underestimated, and soon he transformed into a force to be reckoned with.
As the innings progressed, Binny adopted a more aggressive form, striking 3 sixes in a single over by Jeevan Mendis. This marked the beginning of his onslaught, where he raced to his fifty in just 22 balls, hitting a plethora of fours and sixes along the way. Binny’s innings was nothing short of spectacular, with 3 fours and 7 sixes, culminating in 68 runs off a mere 31 balls, achieving a staggering strike rate of about 220.
## Yusuf Pathan Also Shines
Yusuf Pathan, batting at number six, brought his signature stormy style to the crease against the Sri Lanka Masters. In just 20 balls, he completed his half-century, going on to score 56 runs in 22 balls. Pathan’s innings was equally breathtaking, with 3 fours and 6 sixes that left the opposition reeling. Yuvraj Singh, meanwhile, ended unbeaten on 31 runs off 22 balls, and Gurkirat Singh Mann, batting at number three, contributed a significant 44 runs to the team’s total. The combination of these performances set the stage for an exciting Contest.