Reliving Sachin Tendulkar's ODI centuries (41 to 45)

Century No. 44 – 138 vs Sri Lanka (Colombo – September 2009)

In 2008 and 2009, India had won 5 consecutive bilateral series’ and when they went to Sri Lanka for a tri-series involving Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India, they seemed the favourites. In the group stage, India won 1 and lost 1.

In the final, India opted to bat first after winning the toss. And Sachin Tendulkar once again hit his straps in a final as he stroked a majestic 138. It was his 43rd ODI ton and 6th in tournament finals.

During his 133-ball stay at the crease, Tendulkar hit 10 fours and a six. He formed three big partnerships – 95 with Dravid (39) for the first wicket, 110 with Dhoni (56) for the second and 71 with Yuvraj (56) for the third. The master’s efforts took India to a superb total of 320.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 273 and India clinched the Compaq Cup. Sachin Tendulkar was awarded the Man of the Match for his sublime innings of 138.