Top 5 memorable knocks from Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 53rd birthday in a warm and heartfelt manner by stepping out of his residence to join fans who had gathered outside to wish him. The iconic former India batter was welcomed with loud cheers, applause, and affectionate birthday greetings from supporters who continue to admire him even years after his retirement from international cricket. In a simple yet emotional gesture, Tendulkar cut a birthday cake in their presence, graciously acknowledging their unwavering love.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game, Tendulkar’s career is defined by exceptional consistency, longevity, and a series of record-breaking achievements. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also paid tribute to the batting maestro, highlighting his unmatched statistics and his immense contribution to Indian cricket’s global stature. Over a remarkable international career spanning more than two decades, he played 664 matches and amassed a staggering 34,357 runs, the highest in the sport’s history, along with being the only player to score 100 international centuries and a key figure in India’s 2011 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup triumph.

While his Test career remains equally celebrated, Tendulkar’s legacy in One Day Internationals has often stood out for its impact and consistency. In 463 ODIs, he scored 18,426 runs, including 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries, earning widespread recognition as the “God of Cricket.” Beyond the numbers, his reputation was built on memorable innings under pressure against world-class opposition. On his 53rd birthday, in this article, we will share the Top 5 memorable knocks from Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs.

See also -Top 5 memorable knocks from Sachin Tendulkar in Test matches

Top 5 memorable knocks from Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs

5. 98 vs Pakistan Centurion ODI, World Cup 2003

Pakistan batted first and scored 273/7, with Saeed Anwar playing a brilliant innings of 101 runs. However, the match was completely dominated by Sachin Tendulkar, who produced a masterclass in batting. He scored 98 runs off just 75 balls and made the Pakistani bowling attack look helpless. He was dismissed just short of a century when Shoaib Akhtar took his wicket.

The match was played in a high-pressure and emotionally charged atmosphere between India and Pakistan during the 2003 ICC World Cup in Centurion, South Africa. Pakistan captain Waqar Younis won the toss and chose to bat first. Their team posted a strong total, mainly due to Anwar’s century at the top of the order.

In reply, India got a strong start with Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag adding 53 quick runs for the first wicket. After Sehwag got out, Tendulkar continued his aggressive batting against Pakistan’s top bowlers, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. He eventually got out for 98 due to cramps, caught off Akhtar’s bowling. India chased the target comfortably in 45.4 overs, with important contributions from Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Kaif, and Yuvraj Singh, winning the match by four wickets.

4. 117* vs Australia, CB Series Final, Sydney ODI, 2008

This unbeaten century against Australia in the first final of the CB Series 2008 holds a special place in Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI career. It was an important innings because it ended a long struggle of getting out in the nervous nineties, which had continued for almost 13 months across 36 ODI innings.

After scoring his 41st ODI century in January 2007, Tendulkar went through a difficult phase where he got out six times in the nineties, including three times on 99. He came very close many times but could not reach his 42nd ODI hundred, which made this period even more frustrating for him.

Finally, the wait ended in a big match. Tendulkar played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 117 runs in Sydney while chasing against Australia in the first final. His innings helped India win the match by four wickets and take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three series, which they later went on to win.

3. 200* vs SA, Gwalior ODI 2010 (First ODI Double Century)

Sachin Tendulkar played many great innings in his career, but this knock in Gwalior in 2010 is one of his most special. The importance of this innings makes it easily one of his top five ODI performances. On this day, he created history by scoring the first-ever double century in ODI cricket.

India batted first after winning the toss. They lost Virender Sehwag early for 25 runs. After that, Sachin Tendulkar built a strong partnership with Dinesh Karthik. Together, they added 194 runs for the second wicket before Karthik got out for 79.

After that, Sachin continued to dominate the South African bowlers. He played very aggressive cricket and kept scoring runs all around the ground. On the third ball of the final over, he reached a historic milestone by becoming the first player to score a double century in ODI cricket. He remained unbeaten on 200 runs off 147 balls, hitting 25 fours and 3 sixes. India won the match by 153 runs, and Sachin was named Player of the Match.

2. 134 vs Australia – Sharjah Cup Final 1998

Sachin Tendulkar produced another unforgettable innings against Australia in the Sharjah Cup final in 1998. Coming just a day after his sensational 143, he once again dominated the same Australian bowling attack, but this time he finished the job and guided India to victory.

The innings was even more special as it came on his 25th birthday. Tendulkar played a brilliant knock of 134 runs off 131 balls, which included 12 fours and 3 sixes. He controlled the chase with confidence and kept India in complete command throughout the innings.

His performance helped India defeat Australia by 6 wickets and win the tournament title. It was a match-winning knock that is still remembered as one of his finest ODI innings, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in big finals.

1. 143 vs Australia – Sharjah ODI 1998 (Desert Storm)

India faced Australia in the sixth match of the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah. After losing two matches in a row, India needed a strong comeback. Australia captain Steve Waugh won the toss and chose to bat first. Michael Bevan played a brilliant unbeaten century (101), while Mark Waugh added 81 runs, helping Australia reach 284/7 in 50 overs.

In reply, the match situation changed due to weather conditions, and India’s target was revised to 276 runs in 46 overs. Under pressure, Sachin Tendulkar played one of the most iconic innings in ODI history, often remembered as the “Desert Storm” knock.

He scored a stunning 143 runs off 131 balls, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes. Despite his brilliant effort and aggressive batting, he did not get enough support from the other end. India eventually fell short by 26 runs at the end of 46 overs. However, even in defeat, Sachin Tendulkar was awarded the Player of the Match for his extraordinary innings.