200* | Sachin Tendulkar, First ODI Double Hundred, Gwalior
Simply Sachin
Nothing to choose between the two sides as per the Two Test match series as scores read as 1-1. The ODI series started off with an absolute nail biter with India just managing to clinch victory over the proteas with mere one run. Thus, the series promised plenty of drama and excitement ahead. The star studded Indian batting line-up was against a mighty pace bowling attack comprising of the likes of World’s No.1 Bowler Dale Steyn , In form Charl Lengeveldt,and fuming Wayne Parnell.
The match started as scheduled as umpire Ian Gould signaled play. The overwhelmed crowd at Gwalior was unaware of what it was about to witness. The crowd was stunned into silence as Star player Virender Sehwag lost his wicket to Wayne Parnell pretty early at an individual score of 9. The strong shoulders of the little master assumed responsibility to bat through the innings . Kartik, Yusuf, and the skipper Dhoni complimented him well with impressive strike rates but the lime light was stolen by the champion . Sachin had reached his 46th ODI ton by the time I reached home, I regret I went to college. But I got the chance to see another ton of runs.
Sachin as characteristic of him ran quick , made those elegant drives , powerful pulls, and those cuts behind square “so Sachin”. He made it look so ridiculously simple to bat on the batting paradise of Captain Roop Singh Stadium.
The moment came when Tendulkar tucked one bowled at his legs to square leg to cross the all time ODI high 194 of Great Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar that we all remember due to our addiction to those trump cards. Mark Boucher took a moment and congratulated the great player on his yet another achievement showcasing true sportsmanship. This was in sharp contast with what happened the previous over when Tendulkar received a mouthful from the lethal pacer Dale Steyn. A great batsman , a great bowler , a great fielder don’t make one a great cricketer . Tendulkar acknowledged the emotions of the World’s No.1 bowler smiled and stepped towards his crease. This is what Sachin is made of -great personality, great attitude. He makes me recall
I have seen god , he bats at No. 4 for India in tests
-Mathew Hayden
That’s why they cricket pundits say Sachin is the perfect PERSON to be idolized for cricket and everything else.After being starved for strike for a couple of overs due to Dhoni’s onslaught Sachin finally got 2nd ball of 50th over to get 200* to his credit and register it to the heavy record books boasting of the glory of this great player.
Another interesting quote I recall about Sachin
We did not lose to a team called India...we lost to a man called Sachin.
-Mark Taylor