On This Day: Sachin took over the Desert Storm and Australian side by hammering 143 runs

SACHJIN SHARJAH AUSTRALIA

22 April 1998, the knockout between India and Australia during the Coca-Cola Cup, is recollected as Sachin Tendulkar’s one of the most remarkable matches of his career. Apart from the sandstorm that halted the match for 25 minutes that day, Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium also witnessed the Master Blaster storm his way to build an unbeatable individual score of 143 runs off 131 balls.

The match was a memorable one for all the right reasons. With Bevan’s prolific century and Waugh marvellous 81, Australians had set up an impressive target of 285 runs in 50 overs. Although, after their innings, the sandstorm made its unwelcomed appearance and lasted for about half an hour. This reduced the time period left to wrap up the game and cut short the target to 276 runs in 46 overs. This did put team India to some disadvantage and Sachin Tendulkar decided to take up the charge to bring out the country through the storm.

Those of whom who had the fortune of watching the match in the stadium or the ones who had glued their eyes on the T.V screens know exactly the magnitude of thrills experienced by them watching Tendulkar set up fireworks on the field. Balls hurled at Tendulkar ended up being smashed terrifically resulting in nine fours and five sixes. It was a stunning display of batting prowess by our Little Master that day. Taking on the deadly attacks of the Australian bowlers which included deliveries by legendary bowlers like Shane Warne and Fleming, he put in his best efforts to take the However, the Indian side couldn’t climb beyond the mark of 250 runs and suffered a dismal loss against the Aussies by 26 runs.

Well, then it was a perky win by the Kangaroos but not a complete defeat for India as Sachin was named the “Player of the Match” award for his stupendous performance.