Reliving Sachin Tendulkar's ODI centuries (26-30)
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar not only wowed the cricketing audience with his array of determination and grit, he also ensured that he left a lasting impact in the record books as well. The only international star with hundred centuries to his name, including 49 ODI tons, Tendulkar was a cricketing phenomenal who gave the fans many moments to savour.
In a continuation of our exclusive series, we relive his mastery by having a look at his ODI hundreds twenty six to thirty.
#5 ODI century number 26 - 101 against Sri Lanka in Sharjah (2000)
The first match of the Sharjah Champions Trophy, featuring Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and India, began on a good note as the Indian camp elected to bat first. After the early dismissal of Sourav Ganguly, Tendulkar took it upon himself to help guide India through the early jitters. But while he was going strong at the other end, the inability of his teammates to accompany him ensured that India could manage just 224 in their quota of overs.
Four Indian players were run-out in the innings, including Tendulkar himself, but not before the Mumbaikar had scored a fighting 101 in 140 deliveries, with three boundaries and a six.
The target of 225 hardly troubled the Lankans, who reached the score with more than six overs to spare. However, Tendulkar was named as the Man of the Match.