6 sixes Indian fans can never forget

#2 Sachin Tendulkar at Centurion, 2003 – Uppercuts Shoaib Akhtar for a six at the ICC World Cup

Sachin Tendulkar tormented the Pakistani bowlers in the 2003 World Cup match

India haven’t lost to Pakistan in a World Cup match but whenever the two teams play, the Indian fans always get a bit nervous. The law of averages has to strike sometimes, doesn’t it? In that match in 2003, it seemed like India’s unbeaten streak was about to be broken. On the back of a Saeed Anwar century, Pakistan had posted a competitive total of 273 and every fan was worried about Shoaib Akhtar.

The Pakistani pacer was expected to be a handful on the quick Centurion pitch. He came running in for his first ball and unleashed a lightning fast delivery. It wasn’t on target, though. Before anyone could bat an eyelid, Sachin Tendulkar extended his arms and sliced the ball over the head of the fielder at deep third man. All of India erupted.

(Video Courtesy: Sahi pakde Hain YouTube Channel)

That six was followed by a sublime flick off the pads and a breathtaking straight drive. By the time Tendulkar departed, an agonising two runs short of a century, Akhtar’s threat had been suitably demolished. The Rawalpindi Express went for 72 runs in the match and India won with 26 balls to spare.