List of Sachin's best Test knocks:- (Courtesy: ESPNCricinfo & Cricbuzz)
Tendulkar has been compelled to live this World Cup match against Pakistan for a year in advance. He has not slept properly for 12 nights going into the match. A target of 274 set for India, bat in hand, Tendulkar shows no anxiety whatsoever. Or is it that nervous energy? He just finishes his hyped battle against Shoaib Akhtar in the latter's first over with an uppercut for six, and then a flick and a straight block for two boundaries. He crosses 12,000 ODI run land mark in this match itself. Every bowler is dealt with similar disdain. He has not looked more pumped up before. And although he misses a special century, he leaves the match sealed in the 28th over.
'Desert Storm' as it is now famously called, the 143 against Australia at Sharjah ranks as one of the best ever Tendulkar knocks in ODIs if not the best. Chasing a target of 285, India needed to score 254 to go past New Zealand and qualify for the finals. A sandstorm stopped play for 25 minutes and India's target was reduced to 276 from 46 overs. India now needed 237 runs to get past New Zealand on NRAJ. Despite losing partners at the other end, Tendulkar motored along, some of his shots were pure delight to one's eyes. Australia was hit all over the park by the Little Master to guide India into the finals of the triangular series. The Aussie bowlers had a torrid time against Sachin who scored 143 even though India lost the game.A classic knock from Tendulkar. One which is most revered by his fans. India needed to win big to edge past New Zealand into the final of the competition. Tendulkar went on a rampage, and despite a dust storm interruption, ensured that India walked into the finals to face Australia once again. Tendulkar's knock included 9 fours and 5 massive sixes, and he single-handedly took India into the final.
Sachin’s knock in this game is still regarded as one of the best innings played by him but even though India drew very close to the target set up by the Aussies they still lost. India kept losing wickets at crucial times that handed momentum to Australians.Chasing down an improbable 351, India fought all the way through and was even ahead of the Aussies at many stages during the chase.In a dramatic match, Tendulkar's dismissal with 18 runs needed off 17 balls caused India's melt-down. Chasing 351 for an improbable victory, Tendulkar kept India afloat during the chase despite losing partners constantly. It was a special innings a sort of innings only a player like Tendulkar could have played. With him out in the middle, it always looked like India would cross the line only for them to choke after his exit. For the record his knock was the 3rd highest individual score in a losing effort. The sad part was he got out just when he shouldn’t have and India lost momentum to eventually lose the match by just 3 runs.
1) 114 v Australia, 5th Test, Western Australia Cricket Association, Perth, February 1992. Result: Australia won by 300 runs.
Perhaps his finest Test hundred and certainly one of the best played at the WACA ever. All of 18-years old and faced with a formidable bowling attack of McDermott, Hughes, Whitney and Reiffel, Tendulkar showed how to play quality fast bowling with strokeplay of the highest order when his far more experienced and well established team-mates were floundering. In those days, the WACA pitch was lightning quick and was a haven for the fast bowlers, but Tendulkar overcame all those with a pristine hundred that showcased his unlimited potential on the world stage. Australia posted a total of 346 in the first innings. India came out to bat and wickets fell at regular intervals with Sachin scoring 114 runs. Australia then posted another huge total of 367 in the second innings and India could not match up to the batting display of the Aussies. India lost the match. When most of the batsmen squirmed away from the bouncers and were unable to cope with the extra pace of the Perth wicket, Tendulkar was a picture of concentration and calm. The knock of 114 runs was a classic, and one which is rated supremely by the little master himself.After this innings, Merv Hughes had this to say to his captain Allan Border: 'This little prick's going to get more runs than you, AB.'
2) 119* v England, 2nd Test, Old Trafford, Manchester, August 1990. Result: Match drawn.
Tendulkar was all of 17 years and 112 days old when he made his first Test hundred, his first hundred ensured India saved the match on the final day. He added 160 runs with Manoj Prabhakar and often advised his much senior partner on how to go about things. India were staring down the barrel at 4/109 when Tendulkar came to the middle and by the time he had finished, he had ended up on 119 studded with 17 glorious boundaries. India ended with 6/343, with a match drawn next to their name. It was the beginning of something special and on that chilly day in Manchester, those who saw Sachin bat knew that they were seeing something very rare. The Manchester ton was the start of many more. The match was drawn with India losing only on more wicket in the day.The first signs of greatness from the Little Master. The journey that would see him leave all contemporaries far behind started in England at Old Trafford.
3) 136 v Pakistan, 1st Test, M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, January 1999. Result: Pakistan won by 12 runs.
One of Tendulkar's most famous hundreds, notable for the fact that he batted with severe back spasms throughout the entire duration of his innings and almost took India home. When he fell with 16 runs required, there were 3 wickets still left but Pakistan came roaring back and won the match by 12 runs. The result disturbed Tendulkar so much that he didn't even turn up at the post-match presentation ceremony. On a turning wicket with India chasing 271 and Saqlain Mushtaq at his peak, aided by an exceptional attack which contained Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as well, Tendulkar batted out of his skin when the others succumbed. He didn't put a foot wrong until that fatal across the line slog. Until Tendulkar was there, Pakistan didn't have a chance and that statement sums up the match perfectly. Had India gone on to win the match, the myth that Tendulkar never finishes off Test matches in the 4th innings, would have been buried once and for all. A tragic hundred from Tendulkar. All hope was lost, and then Mongia and Tendulkar struck a crucial partnership, bringing India close to Pakistan’s target. Fighting a bad back and incisive bowling from the likes of Wasim, Waqar and Saqlain Mustaq, Tendulkar fell when India were 17 runs short of the target. India lost the match by 12 runs.
4) 169 v South Africa, 2nd Test, Newlands, Cape Town, January 1997. Result: South Africa won by 282 runs.
This Test match will forever be remembered for the sensational stand of 222 between Sachin and Azhar which stood out for the breathtaking display of stroke-making against a very high quality attack of Donald, Pollock, Klusener and McMillan on a fast Cape Town wicket. The duo came together when India were on the ropes at 58/5 and thrilled the crowd with an astounding array of strokes that left the Proteas' attack dazed. After Azhar was out, Tendulkar ensured India avoided the follow-on and when he was finally out for 169 to an out-of-the-world catch by Adam Bacher at deep midwicket, the crowd were on their feet lauding the sheer genius that they had witnessed earlier in the afternoon. Tendulkar's effort wasn't enough though as India succumbed to a heavy defeat.The Proteas posted 529. India batted poorly with Sachin Tendulkar posting a score of 126 with the help of Azharuddin who scored 115. India were all out for 359. South Africa in its second innings posted a total of 256 which left Team India to score 427. India were all out for 144 and South Africa won the match.The visitors were shot out for 100 and 66 in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, and a repeat looked well on cards. This until Azhar joined Sachin Tendulkar at the crease. Both the batsmen took on the bowlers and turned the firing the other way. While Azhar played at his carefree best, Sachin was more compact but no less grand.
2) 119* v England, 2nd Test, Old Trafford, Manchester, August 1990. Result: Match drawn.
Tendulkar was all of 17 years and 112 days old when he made his first Test hundred, his first hundred ensured India saved the match on the final day. He added 160 runs with Manoj Prabhakar and often advised his much senior partner on how to go about things. India were staring down the barrel at 4/109 when Tendulkar came to the middle and by the time he had finished, he had ended up on 119 studded with 17 glorious boundaries. India ended with 6/343, with a match drawn next to their name. It was the beginning of something special and on that chilly day in Manchester, those who saw Sachin bat knew that they were seeing something very rare. The Manchester ton was the start of many more. The match was drawn with India losing only on more wicket in the day.The first signs of greatness from the Little Master. The journey that would see him leave all contemporaries far behind started in England at Old Trafford.3) 136 v Pakistan, 1st Test, M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, January 1999. Result: Pakistan won by 12 runs.
One of Tendulkar's most famous hundreds, notable for the fact that he batted with severe back spasms throughout the entire duration of his innings and almost took India home. When he fell with 16 runs required, there were 3 wickets still left but Pakistan came roaring back and won the match by 12 runs. The result disturbed Tendulkar so much that he didn't even turn up at the post-match presentation ceremony. On a turning wicket with India chasing 271 and Saqlain Mushtaq at his peak, aided by an exceptional attack which contained Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis as well, Tendulkar batted out of his skin when the others succumbed. He didn't put a foot wrong until that fatal across the line slog. Until Tendulkar was there, Pakistan didn't have a chance and that statement sums up the match perfectly. Had India gone on to win the match, the myth that Tendulkar never finishes off Test matches in the 4th innings, would have been buried once and for all. A tragic hundred from Tendulkar. All hope was lost, and then Mongia and Tendulkar struck a crucial partnership, bringing India close to Pakistan’s target. Fighting a bad back and incisive bowling from the likes of Wasim, Waqar and Saqlain Mustaq, Tendulkar fell when India were 17 runs short of the target. India lost the match by 12 runs.
This Test match will forever be remembered for the sensational stand of 222 between Sachin and Azhar which stood out for the breathtaking display of stroke-making against a very high quality attack of Donald, Pollock, Klusener and McMillan on a fast Cape Town wicket. The duo came together when India were on the ropes at 58/5 and thrilled the crowd with an astounding array of strokes that left the Proteas' attack dazed. After Azhar was out, Tendulkar ensured India avoided the follow-on and when he was finally out for 169 to an out-of-the-world catch by Adam Bacher at deep midwicket, the crowd were on their feet lauding the sheer genius that they had witnessed earlier in the afternoon. Tendulkar's effort wasn't enough though as India succumbed to a heavy defeat.The Proteas posted 529. India batted poorly with Sachin Tendulkar posting a score of 126 with the help of Azharuddin who scored 115. India were all out for 359. South Africa in its second innings posted a total of 256 which left Team India to score 427. India were all out for 144 and South Africa won the match.The visitors were shot out for 100 and 66 in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, and a repeat looked well on cards. This until Azhar joined Sachin Tendulkar at the crease. Both the batsmen took on the bowlers and turned the firing the other way. While Azhar played at his carefree best, Sachin was more compact but no less grand.
5) 103* v England, 1st Test, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, December 2008. Result: India won by 6 wickets
Probably the most emotional and satisfying of Tendulkar's hundreds, it came weeks after the 26/11 terrorist attacks and brought some smiles back to faces in India. The innings itself was perfect and ended with him getting to his century and India chasing down 387 for victory in the fourth innings. England posed a total of 316 in their 1st innings. India replied with 241. England scored 311/9 decl. banking on centuries of Strauss & Collingwood, 108. India was set a target of 387 which they achieved with ease thanks to the blistering know off 83 off 68 balls from Sehwag.
6) 146 v South Africa, 3rd Test, The Newlands, Cape Town, January 2011. Result: Match drawn.
In the third Test of the series, Tendulkar and Steyn waged a battle for the ages. Steyn controlled the ball as if on a string, while Tendulkar brought all of his skill into play to survive. And survive he did, and went on to score his 51st Test hundred. India started their second innings at the Centurion stadium chasing a score of 484 and being reduced to 277 for 6 at the time. It was then that Tendulkar along with MS Dhoni held fort at the crease, and the Master Blaster’s century changed India’s game, clinching a victory for the team. After registering one of their finest triumphs, India came to Cape Town with a chance to win a series on South African soil for the first time ever. And the quest began in fine fashion with Sachin scoring a magnificent 146 in nearly 8 hours. Given a tough target of 340 runs to win their maiden series on South African soil, India decided not to take the risk of losing the match. The two teams settled for a draw.
7) 155 v South Africa, 1st Test, Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein, November 2001. Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets.
This was the match in which Virender Sehwag made his Test debut. Both he and Tendulkar scored centuries and shared a thrilling stand, but could not prevent defeat for India. India managed to score 379 banking on centuries of Tendulkar (155) & Sehwag (105) in the 1st innings. South Africa scored 563 banking on centuries of Gibbs (107) & Klusener (108). India faltered in the 2nd innings and managed to score only 237 and the target was easily chased down by South Africa.
8) 155* v Australia, 1st Test, M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, March 1998. Result: India won by 179 runs.
This series was hyped up as the 'Warne v Tendulkar' series and the first match certainly lived up to that hype. After being dismissed cheaply by the leggie in the first innings, Sachin produced an all-time classic in the 2nd. He made 155 off 191 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes, taking apart Warne at will, often sweeping him from the rough and sending him into the stands. That brutal assault completely deflated the Aussies and set India on their way towards a comprehensive win. The tone for the rest of the series had been set and what followed was complete domination from Sachin. Warne and the Aussies didn't know what hit them and the pattern was set. Before the series, in order to counter Warne, Sachin had sought the services of former India leggie, L Siva, asking him to bowl outside the imaginary rough on the leg-side and practiced for long hours. Come March, the first battle had been won by Sachin. Sachin 1 Warne 0. In the first Test against Australia, India batted in the first innings and were bowled out for 257. Australia did much better by posting 328 in the first innings. India in its second innings posted a mammoth 418 with the heroics of Sachin Tendulkar who top scored with 155. India then went on to bowl out the Aussies for a paltry sum of 168 winning the match by 179 runs. It was billed as a contest between Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar. The Australian leg spinner dismissed Sachin cheaply in the first innings, but in the second the Indian maestro made amends and took the spinner and Australian bowling apart. This Test match saw Sachin deflating Warne by hitting cross-bat shots to balls delivered outside the leg stump.
List of Sachin's best ODI knocks:- (Courtesy: ESPNCricinfo & Cricbuzz)
Probably the most emotional and satisfying of Tendulkar's hundreds, it came weeks after the 26/11 terrorist attacks and brought some smiles back to faces in India. The innings itself was perfect and ended with him getting to his century and India chasing down 387 for victory in the fourth innings. England posed a total of 316 in their 1st innings. India replied with 241. England scored 311/9 decl. banking on centuries of Strauss & Collingwood, 108. India was set a target of 387 which they achieved with ease thanks to the blistering know off 83 off 68 balls from Sehwag.
In the third Test of the series, Tendulkar and Steyn waged a battle for the ages. Steyn controlled the ball as if on a string, while Tendulkar brought all of his skill into play to survive. And survive he did, and went on to score his 51st Test hundred. India started their second innings at the Centurion stadium chasing a score of 484 and being reduced to 277 for 6 at the time. It was then that Tendulkar along with MS Dhoni held fort at the crease, and the Master Blaster’s century changed India’s game, clinching a victory for the team. After registering one of their finest triumphs, India came to Cape Town with a chance to win a series on South African soil for the first time ever. And the quest began in fine fashion with Sachin scoring a magnificent 146 in nearly 8 hours. Given a tough target of 340 runs to win their maiden series on South African soil, India decided not to take the risk of losing the match. The two teams settled for a draw.7) 155 v South Africa, 1st Test, Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein, November 2001. Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets.
This was the match in which Virender Sehwag made his Test debut. Both he and Tendulkar scored centuries and shared a thrilling stand, but could not prevent defeat for India. India managed to score 379 banking on centuries of Tendulkar (155) & Sehwag (105) in the 1st innings. South Africa scored 563 banking on centuries of Gibbs (107) & Klusener (108). India faltered in the 2nd innings and managed to score only 237 and the target was easily chased down by South Africa.8) 155* v Australia, 1st Test, M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, March 1998. Result: India won by 179 runs.
This series was hyped up as the 'Warne v Tendulkar' series and the first match certainly lived up to that hype. After being dismissed cheaply by the leggie in the first innings, Sachin produced an all-time classic in the 2nd. He made 155 off 191 balls with 14 fours and 4 sixes, taking apart Warne at will, often sweeping him from the rough and sending him into the stands. That brutal assault completely deflated the Aussies and set India on their way towards a comprehensive win. The tone for the rest of the series had been set and what followed was complete domination from Sachin. Warne and the Aussies didn't know what hit them and the pattern was set. Before the series, in order to counter Warne, Sachin had sought the services of former India leggie, L Siva, asking him to bowl outside the imaginary rough on the leg-side and practiced for long hours. Come March, the first battle had been won by Sachin. Sachin 1 Warne 0. In the first Test against Australia, India batted in the first innings and were bowled out for 257. Australia did much better by posting 328 in the first innings. India in its second innings posted a mammoth 418 with the heroics of Sachin Tendulkar who top scored with 155. India then went on to bowl out the Aussies for a paltry sum of 168 winning the match by 179 runs. It was billed as a contest between Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar. The Australian leg spinner dismissed Sachin cheaply in the first innings, but in the second the Indian maestro made amends and took the spinner and Australian bowling apart. This Test match saw Sachin deflating Warne by hitting cross-bat shots to balls delivered outside the leg stump.
Tendulkar has been compelled to live this World Cup match against Pakistan for a year in advance. He has not slept properly for 12 nights going into the match. A target of 274 set for India, bat in hand, Tendulkar shows no anxiety whatsoever. Or is it that nervous energy? He just finishes his hyped battle against Shoaib Akhtar in the latter's first over with an uppercut for six, and then a flick and a straight block for two boundaries. He crosses 12,000 ODI run land mark in this match itself. Every bowler is dealt with similar disdain. He has not looked more pumped up before. And although he misses a special century, he leaves the match sealed in the 28th over.
'Desert Storm' as it is now famously called, the 143 against Australia at Sharjah ranks as one of the best ever Tendulkar knocks in ODIs if not the best. Chasing a target of 285, India needed to score 254 to go past New Zealand and qualify for the finals. A sandstorm stopped play for 25 minutes and India's target was reduced to 276 from 46 overs. India now needed 237 runs to get past New Zealand on NRAJ. Despite losing partners at the other end, Tendulkar motored along, some of his shots were pure delight to one's eyes. Australia was hit all over the park by the Little Master to guide India into the finals of the triangular series. The Aussie bowlers had a torrid time against Sachin who scored 143 even though India lost the game.A classic knock from Tendulkar. One which is most revered by his fans. India needed to win big to edge past New Zealand into the final of the competition. Tendulkar went on a rampage, and despite a dust storm interruption, ensured that India walked into the finals to face Australia once again. Tendulkar's knock included 9 fours and 5 massive sixes, and he single-handedly took India into the final.
3) 117* v Australia, 1st Final, Commonwealth Bank Tri-series Aus-Ind-SL, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, March 02, 2008. Result: India Won by 6 wickets.
After having been dismissed 6 times in the nineties since the last century, Sachin Tendulkar put aside the nervous nineties tag to complete a glorious hundred which helped India go 1-0 up in the best of three finals of the CB series. Often blamed for not turning up on the big occassion, Tendulkar firmly shut everyone's mouth in the course of a sensational knock as India chased down a victory target of 240. Tendulkar's innings consisted of 10 fours and he added 123 runs for the 4th wicket with Rohit Sharma.
After having been dismissed 6 times in the nineties since the last century, Sachin Tendulkar put aside the nervous nineties tag to complete a glorious hundred which helped India go 1-0 up in the best of three finals of the CB series. Often blamed for not turning up on the big occassion, Tendulkar firmly shut everyone's mouth in the course of a sensational knock as India chased down a victory target of 240. Tendulkar's innings consisted of 10 fours and he added 123 runs for the 4th wicket with Rohit Sharma.
Sachin’s knock in this game is still regarded as one of the best innings played by him but even though India drew very close to the target set up by the Aussies they still lost. India kept losing wickets at crucial times that handed momentum to Australians.Chasing down an improbable 351, India fought all the way through and was even ahead of the Aussies at many stages during the chase.In a dramatic match, Tendulkar's dismissal with 18 runs needed off 17 balls caused India's melt-down. Chasing 351 for an improbable victory, Tendulkar kept India afloat during the chase despite losing partners constantly. It was a special innings a sort of innings only a player like Tendulkar could have played. With him out in the middle, it always looked like India would cross the line only for them to choke after his exit. For the record his knock was the 3rd highest individual score in a losing effort. The sad part was he got out just when he shouldn’t have and India lost momentum to eventually lose the match by just 3 runs.
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