Watch: Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best Clash in Heated Exchange During IML Final

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The inaugural International Masters League (IML) T20 final had its share of fireworks, but it wasn't just the bat and ball that provided the drama. A tense face-off between legendary Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and former West Indies pacer Tino Best stole the limelight in the final.

The high-stakes clash between India Masters and West Indies Masters at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on March 16. The altercation unfolded during the 13th over of West Indies Masters' second innings, when Best attempted to walk off the field after completing his spell.

However, Yuvraj Singh was quick to bring the matter to the umpire's attention, leading to the West Indian pacer being recalled to the field. Unhappy with the intervention, Best charged toward Yuvraj, resulting in a heated verbal exchange where both players were seen pointing fingers and exchanging sharp words.

Sensing the situation escalating, match officials and West Indies Masters captain Brian Lara stepped in to pacify the players. While tensions ran high for a few moments, the match eventually resumed without further incident.

Despite the on-field confrontation, Yuvraj Singh remained focused and played an unbeaten knock of 13 off 11 balls, guiding his team to a comfortable seven-wicket victory. India Masters successfully chased down 149 in just 17.1 overs, thanks to a commanding opening stand between skipper Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu.

Tendulkar, showing glimpses of his trademark class, struck a fluent 25 off 18 balls, while Rayudu anchored the innings with a stellar 74 off 50 deliveries. His aggressive stroke play ensured that India Masters remained in control throughout the chase.

Earlier, West Indies Masters posted 148/7 in their allotted 20 overs, riding on crucial contributions from Lendl Simmons (57 off 41) and Dwayne Smith (45 off 35). However, India's bowling attack, led by Vinay Kumar (3/26) and Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12), restricted their scoring, setting up a comfortable chase.

For his match-winning knock, Rayudu was named Player of the Match, capping off a memorable night for India Masters, who lifted the inaugural IML title in style.