Sachin Tendulkar’s “sandstorm innings” powers India to Sharjah Cup final

It was a decisive match of the Coca Cola Cup in Sharjah. Australia were already well placed in the final and it was either India or New Zealand, who would face them in the final two days later. Australia who performed very well throughout the tournament once again displayed a strong show with the bat. Mark Waugh (81) and Michael Bevan (101 not out) manoeuvred the  Aussies to 284.

India needed 254 runs to qualify and the man on mission for them was Sachin Tendulkar, who was hell-bent on getting his side to the mark. On this day, 17 years back, Tendulkar not only encountered the strong Australian bowling attack but also a desert storm as he played one of the finest innings of One-Day International (ODI) cricket to steer India to the final of the tournament.

The storm accounted for four overs and now India needed 237 to qualify and 276 to win. Thanks to Tendulkar’s brilliant 143 from 131 balls that helped India qualify. Tendulkar had single handedly brought India close to a win. He lost his wicket in the 43rd over just after he had ensured that India had qualified for the final. The ball he got out seemed to be a no-ball but umpire thought the other way and that was the demise of the finest knocks in one-day cricket. Tendulkar was severe on all Australian bowlers including Damien Fleming, Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne. His knock contained nine fours and five sixes. In fact the next best score from the innings was 35, scored by Nayan Mongia.