This day, that year: Sachin's Maiden Ton
It is on this day that the Master Blaster, a lithe 17-year old came down to the crease to face the mighty English at the hallowed Old Trafford. Barely a year into international cricket, the young man scored a brave 119* innings decorated with 17 fours. This was the start of a long 24-year journey that would culminate in a century of centuries.
The Desert Storm, Sharjah 1998
Confronted with a mammoth total of 285 to win, India needed at least 254 (later revised to 237) to see them through to the finals on NRR. Partnering with Laxman, Sachin's 143 off 131 balls with nine 4s and five 6s were enough to pull India through to the final if not win the match.
Proteas don't know what hit them
This was an innings for the history books. Sachin carried the bat for India, rarely putting a foot wrong. This knock came at a time when he was 36 years old, despite cramping up in his 150s, at a run rate better than his other centuries against arguably the best bowling line-up. All this made the first ODI double century in history much sweeter.
A sentimental knock
At his mother's insistence, Sachin returned to the service of his country after his father's demise. And then he produced the innings of a lifetime. Scoring 140* at the highest run-rate among all his centuries, he lifted his gaze skyward on reaching the milestone. There was not a single dry eye in the country that day.
Last Man Standing
Confronted with an impossible 351 against arch rivals Australia on home ground, Sachin waged a lone battle of 175 runs smashing 19 boundaries and 4 sixes in the process. This, despite virtually no support from the other end. In the end, it will go down as an exemplary innings in a losing cause, much like a few others in his career.
One for the personal collection
Sachin scores his first Test double century against New Zealand scoring 217. In a year that saw him lose his father, he completed 20 Test tons, 8000 ODI runs and a spectacular 50 catches in 70 Tests. One of the best years in technical stats, he had more or less cemented his place in the pantheon of Indian cricket gods by this time.
Old Foes: Pakistan
Batting against traditional rivals, Sachin bashed the likes of Akram, Akhtar to 141 single-handedly. However, chasing a steep 329, all this went in vain with little to no support from his teammates. This would prove to be a recurring theme in his career. But would do little to diminish his reputation as the greatest batsman who ever lived beside the likes of Don Bradman.
