18 years have passed since Sachin Tendulkar played
that knock against Australia in Sharjah that's regarded as one of the greatest
in ODI history. 18 years is a really long time. However, even today, the voice
of late Tony Grieg still rings fresh in the collective minds of the Indian
cricket fans as he narrated the exploits of a young batsman who, at 24, had
already earned the status of a legend.
On April 22, 1998, against Australia, in the final league match of the Coca Cola Cup that also featured New Zealand, Tendulkar scored a magnificent 143 to take India into the summit clash of the tri-nation tournament. Needing to score at least 254 after being set 285 to win, to trump New Zealand on run-rate and qualify for the final, India's targets were revised from 285 (to win) and 254 (to qualify ) to 276 (to win) and 237 (to qualify) after a brief desert storm.
With three wins from their first three matches, Australia had already sealed a final berth. India and New Zealand were on equal footing having won one match each. It all boiled down to the result of the final match, the sixth of the series. India, though, were better placed to qualify needing either a win or bettering their run-rate than New Zealand in the event of a defeat. As per the revised target, India needed 276 in 46 overs but fell short 25 runs. However, they achieved the desired run-rate setting a final clash with Australia which they went on to win thanks to another batting masterclass from Tendulkar.
On April 22, 1998, against Australia, in the final league match of the Coca Cola Cup that also featured New Zealand, Tendulkar scored a magnificent 143 to take India into the summit clash of the tri-nation tournament. Needing to score at least 254 after being set 285 to win, to trump New Zealand on run-rate and qualify for the final, India's targets were revised from 285 (to win) and 254 (to qualify ) to 276 (to win) and 237 (to qualify) after a brief desert storm.
With three wins from their first three matches, Australia had already sealed a final berth. India and New Zealand were on equal footing having won one match each. It all boiled down to the result of the final match, the sixth of the series. India, though, were better placed to qualify needing either a win or bettering their run-rate than New Zealand in the event of a defeat. As per the revised target, India needed 276 in 46 overs but fell short 25 runs. However, they achieved the desired run-rate setting a final clash with Australia which they went on to win thanks to another batting masterclass from Tendulkar.
Having won the toss, Australia opted
to bat first and thanks to Michael Bevan's third ODI century and Mark Waugh's
81, posted 284/7 in 50 overs.
In reply, the Australia bowlers, led by Tom Moody, took the early initiative reducing India to 138/4 in 29 overs. After a brief interruption, India were asked to chase 276 in 44 overs. The safe bet from hereon would be to go for the qualification and forget the win. However, Tendulkar was on a different plane. Together with VVS Laxman, he added 104 runs for the fifth wicket during a stand that saw him record his 14th ODI century and also ensured India overhauled the 237-run target to edge ahead of New Zealand on run-rate.
However, Tendulkar wasn't done as he
went after the target and it was Damien Fleming who waved off the threat after
having him out caught behind for 143 off 131. That knock, his highest at the
time, was encrusted with nine fours and five sixes. India lost but Tendulkar's knock
gave them the final spot and a chance at redemption. He again produced a
glorious century in the final that helped India to a six-wicket win.
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