Hyderabad: 2011 World Cup winning Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar turns 46 today. In a career that spanned over 24 years, the batting maestro pretty much broke every possible batting record. Such was his presence in the heart of cricket fans that Sachin is still revered as the God of cricket by the passionate fans.
There is a reason why he is regarded as the God of Indian cricket. The game in India, wouldn't have been the same had it not been for this name.
A teary-eyed Sachin bade adieu his first love cricket in 2013. But, he didn't terminate his association with the gentleman's game there. He is currently working with Mumbai Indians in IPL.
On this auspicious occasion, we come up with five memorable feats achieved by 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar during his career.
The desert storm vs Australia in1998
It was his early days in international cricket. Cricketing fraternity slowly started knowing him for his techniques and dedication to the game. But, it was not before the desert storm that played a vital role in making Sachin-the living legend.
'The Desert Storm' was the first real glimpse of his ability as a batsman. His 143-run innings against Australia at Sharjah in 1998 is still regarded by many as the greatest ever ODI innings. Though Sachin's masterclass went in vain, India still qualified for the final of the triangular series that also featured New Zealand. In the summit clash, Sachin hit 134 while successfully chasing 273 runs target.
Sachin destroyed a world-class bowling attack that was comprised of Damien Fleming, Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne.
A hapless Australia were left stunned and awestruck as Tendulkar continued with his exquisite stroke making.
98 vs Pakistan in 2003 World Cup
In high-octane India vs Pakistan 2003 World Cup clash, Sachin Tendulkar once again stepped up to demonstrate his ability as a match winner.
Chasing a 274 runs daunting target at Centurion's SuperSport Park, Tendulkar played one of the best innings of his career. What Tendulkar did with Pakistan bowlers Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar was absolutely mind-blowing.
After Saeed Anwar slammed a ton to help Pakistan set a big target, India got off to a great start from Tendulkar. Tendulkar missed the ton by two runs, but when he left the crease he made sure India finish on the brink of a six-wicket victory.
A prolific Tendulkar toyed with Pakistan bowlers across the boundary which forced them to watch his batting in awe. After Sachin’s dismissal, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh took India home comfortably.
119* vs England-1990
After making his debut against Pakistan Sachin Tendulkar took sometimes to settle down in international cricket. Taking his merit into consideration the teenager was given much-needed confidence before he became a big hit in international cricket.
After a memorable Pakistan tour, Tendulkar toured New Zealand where he slammed 88 at Napier, but his maiden Test ton was still a dream.
However, the wait didn't get longer. In his third overseas tour, the boy with curly hair caught English bowlers in a bizarre situation as the 17-year-old was smashing guys twice of his size.
In Manchester, 2nd Test of India's tour, Sachin slammed a half-century in the first innings and then in the second innings raised his bat for the first time of his career hitting unbeaten 119 which received loud applause from the Old Trafford crowd. Even the English cricketers gave a pat on his back. It was just the beginning of an era that ended in 100 hundreds.
141 & 4 for 38 vs Australia-1998
We all know batsman Sachin Tendulkar, but the bowler in him was a discovery. In 1998 Wills International Cup in Bangladesh, opener Sachin Tendulkar destroyed Australia bowlers slamming 141 off 128. It was just another example of his growing domination over the Aussies.
Riding on Tendulkar's 141 at Dhaka, India set 308 runs target for Australia. In response, the Down Under side was on the right track to pull off a great win. But, their innings was derailed when captain Mohammad Azharuddin introduced tweaker Sachin in the action. Australia were caught unaware of his bowling and fell in the trap. From 145 for 2 Australia were reduced to 263 all-out.
Tendulkar's victims were mighty match winners Steve Waugh, Michael Bevan, Damien Martin and Brad Young. Sachin finished the match with 4 wickets haul for 38 runs and eventually won the Man of the Match award.
'The Superman' vs South Africa, Gwalior 2010
A year before his retirement from the game, Sachin Tendulkar became the first player in the history of the game to hit a double ton in ODIs. He reached the three figures for the second time in the match against South Africa in Gwalior.
In his record-shattering innings, the batting maestro scored more than 100 runs from boundaries (25 fours and 3 sixes).
India went onto post 401 in 50 overs and comfortably won the match by 153 runs. It is noteworthy that the format's first double ton was hit by cricket's greatest ever batsman.
