Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh rolled back the years with a sensational catch near the boundary rope during the high-profile clash between India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai . The thrilling encounter, held on Saturday (February 22), saw Yuvraj’s brilliance in the field become a defining moment of the game, as he defied age and expectations with a gravity-defying effort.
A moment of magic in IML 2025: Yuvraj Singh’s sensational catch
The unforgettable moment transpired in the eighth over of Sri Lanka Masters’ innings when veteran Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was bowling to left-handed batter Lahiru Thirimanne. The former Sri Lankan opener attempted to loft the ball over the long-on boundary in a desperate bid to accelerate the chase, but he failed to generate the desired power and elevation. As the ball soared towards the deep, it seemed destined to fall just short of the rope. However, stationed at long-on, Yuvraj anticipated the trajectory perfectly, sprinted towards the ball, and executed a perfectly timed jump to pluck it out of the air with both hands.
The difficulty of the catch was further amplified by the fact that Yuvraj had to maintain his balance near the boundary cushion, ensuring he didn’t overstep the line after completing the grab. Despite the high-pressure situation, the 43-year-old legend displayed remarkable composure and athleticism, completing the catch with finesse and sending Thirimanne back to the pavilion. The stadium erupted in applause as Yuvraj’s teammates, including Irfan and Stuart Binny, rushed towards him to celebrate the outstanding effort.
Here’s the video:
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 ✈️ action ft. 𝗬𝘂𝘃𝗿𝗮𝗷 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵! 🔥
Catch all the action LIVE, only on @JioHotstar, @Colors_Cineplex & @CCSuperhits 📲 📺#IMLT20 #TheBaapsOfCricket #IMLonJioHotstar #IMLonCineplex pic.twitter.com/mN2xBvotF2
— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) February 22, 2025
An applause from the stands by Sara Tendulkar
The electrifying moment didn’t just leave fans in awe; even notable spectators in the stands, including Sara Tendulkar, the daughter of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, were left thoroughly impressed. Sara, who was seen enjoying the game from the VIP section, immediately applauded Yuvraj’s incredible effort, acknowledging the sheer brilliance of the moment. Her reaction was captured on the giant screen, further adding to the spectacle of the match.
Another heartwarming reaction came from Irfan’s wife, who was also in attendance and was visibly delighted with the crucial breakthrough. Given the context of the game, where Sri Lanka Masters were steadily building momentum in their run chase, the dismissal of Thirimanne proved to be a turning point in favor of India Masters.
Also READ: International Masters League (IML T20) 2025 Schedule: Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
India Masters edge out Sri Lanka Masters in a nail-biting contest
Apart from Yuvraj’s spectacular fielding display, the match itself turned out to be a thrilling encounter, with India Masters securing a narrow four-run victory over Sri Lanka Masters in the opening game of IML 2025. The Tendulkar-led India Masters were put into bat first and delivered a batting masterclass, piling up an imposing total of 222/4 in 20 overs.
Contributions came from multiple senior players, with Binny leading the charge with a quickfire 68, while Yusuf Pathan played a blistering knock of 56 off just 22 balls. Gurkeerat Singh (44) and Yuvraj Singh (31 not out) also played vital cameos to propel India Masters past the 200-run mark. Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal was the standout bowler for the opposition, picking up two wickets in his spell.
In response, Sri Lanka Masters fought hard and kept the chase alive till the very last over, but India’s experienced bowling attack held their nerve to restrict them to 218/6 in 20 overs. Yuvraj’s catch proved to be a decisive moment, helping India Masters gain the upper hand in a closely fought battle.
