An innings that has gone down in Indian cricketing folklore. A gallant knock compiled under tremendous pressure on a last day Chepauk pitch in the face of a varied attack – Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Saqlain Mushtaq – ended up in vain as the support for Tendulkar was woefully inadequate. He was out for a third ball duck in the first innings but in the second came up with a master class that was constructed despite a painful back. India chasing 271 for victory lost five wickets for 82. Tendulkar had come in late on the third day with India tottering at six for two. It was not until Nayan Mongia entered that Tendulkar found some support. The wicketkeeper was content playing a supporting role and all eyes were on the maestro who braving the heat and the pain steered India closer to the target. The two added 136 runs for the sixth wicket before Mongia was out for 52. Tendulkar already well past his century got the total to 254. With four wickets in hand and only 17 to get it seemed that Tendulkar’s valiant effort was going to result in a famous Indian victory. However a tired shot from him – he holed out to mid off trying to hit Saqlain out of the ground – saw the end of his 405-minute vigil during which he faced 273 balls and hit 18 fours. The tail offered no resistance and India folded up for 258. It was a pity that such a sustained effort was not crowned with victory.
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