7 moments from Sachin Tendulkar’s career that don’t fade away

7) Sachin storm amidst the desert storm

The ‘Master Blaster’ being congratulated by Shane Warne in Sharjah

One of the best knocks in ODI history came at a neutral venue, Sharjah. 2 days before his birthday, Sachin Tendulkar gave the world the perfect gift with his knock of 143, his highest at the time, and helping India qualify for the final of the tri-series.

Aged just 24, Sachin carried the heavy weight of the expectations of a billion people on his shoulders and he did it with aplomb. The innings, nicknamed the desert storm due to a storm causing a break in the match, will forever live in the memories of the fans.

Australia had posted 284 in the first innings but the storm interrupted match saw the target revised to 276 in 44 overs! India needed at least 237 to get a better run rate than New Zealand and qualify for the final, but young Tendulkar was in no mood to just settle.

After having bowled 5 overs and taken a wicket while conceding 27 runs, Sachin shifted his focus to the Australian bowling attack comprising of Shane Warne, Michael Kasprowicz, Tom Moody, Steve Waugh and Damien Fleming. With 9 fours and 5 sixes, Sachin helped India qualify for the final with ease, but his focus was on defeating the men from Down Under.

The master blaster fell to Damien Fleming in the penultimate over and India fell short of the target. Despite not getting any support, Sachin ensured India reached the final courtesy his 14th ODI hundred and in the final, he scored yet another century to beat Australia and lift the Coca-Cola Cup.

18 years on and the knock by Sachin in Sharjah is still fresh in the fans' minds. Truly, an innings worth every penny.