Reliving Sachin Tendulkar's ODI centuries: 6-10

#9 - 110 (138) against Sri Lanka at Colombo, 1996

Tendulkar's resilient century could not prevent India from slipping to a hefty defeat

During August and September of 1996, India locked horns with Sri Lanka, Australia and Zimbabwe in the Singer World Series. In the second match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, they were embroiled in a fascinating tussle against the hosts. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, they lost Ajay Jadeja for a nine-ball duck. The onus once again fell on Tendulkar to take control of the proceedings.

Also captaining the team, he had to curtail his natural game and shepherd a fragile batting lineup by playing through the innings. While Tendulkar amassed 110 from 138 deliveries, Azharuddin played one of the most sluggish knocks in his career. The stylish Hyderabadi crawled to a 99-ball 58. As a result, India limped to a inadequate total of 226. Jayasuriya's blazing century helped Sri Lanka make a complete mockery of the run-chase.