Rahul Sharma’s Hat-trick powers India Masters to dominant victory over South Africa Masters

In a spectacular display of spin bowling, Rahul Sharma’s historic hat-trick helped India Masters crush South Africa Masters by eight wickets in the ongoing International Masters League (IML) 2025 at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara on Saturday. This victory marked India Masters’ third consecutive win in the tournament.

Sent in to bat by India Masters captain Sachin Tendulkar, South Africa Masters got off to a promising start with a 35-run partnership between Hashim Amla and Henry Davids. However, the tide turned when Rahul Sharma struck in his second over, dismissing Amla (9), Jacques Kallis (0), and Jacques Rudolph (0) with successive balls to put the South African batting lineup on the back foot.

Sharma’s remarkable spell was supported by left-arm spinner Pawan Negi, who removed Farhaan Behardien, before dismissing Davids, who top-scored for South Africa with 38 runs off 28 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

With the score at 63/5, South Africa Masters found themselves in trouble. Tendulkar’s tactical shift saw Yuvraj Singh take over the attack, and the left-arm spinner quickly delivered with the wickets of Vernon Philander and Garnett Kruger, both falling for golden ducks off successive deliveries.

Yuvraj further dented the South African side by claiming the crucial wicket of Dane Vilas, who was dismissed for 21 while attempting a risky shot. With no other significant contributions, South Africa Masters were bowled out for just 85 runs in 14 overs.

Rahul Sharma (3/18) and Yuvraj Singh (3/12) were the stars of the innings, taking three wickets apiece and leading India Masters to a commanding victory.