98 vs Pakistan at Centurion, World Cup 2003

Perhaps the most famous of his ODI non centuries this innings ranks very high in the list of great ODI knocks for the sparkling manner it was compiled, the strength of the bowling and the big stage on which it was a fitting showpiece. As only to be expected the India – Pakistan clash generated frenzy worldwide particularly as it was the first clash between the two teams since June 2000. A crammed stadium and a TV audience implausibly guesstimated at a billion watched the tournament’s most talked-up match which lived up to its hype. Pakistan with Saeed Anwar getting 101 led off with 273 for seven in 50. Then as Wisden observed: ``Tendulkar played an astounding innings perhaps the best of the tournament and undoubtedly one of his best in ODIs.’’ Against a testosterone propelled pace attack (Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar) he hit a memorable stream of shots. By the 12th over India thanks mainly to Tendulkar’s pyrotechnics reached 100. Tendulkar went on to 98 from 75 balls with 12 fours and a six. After two wickets had fallen for 53, he dominated a third wicket partnership of 102 runs with Md Kaif (35) and by the time he was fourth out at 177 in the 28th over India were well on their way to an astonishing victory which was achieved with six wickets and 4.2 overs to spare. (Text courtesy: Partab Ramchand)