Reliving Sachin Tendulkar's Test centuries: Century 16-20

#3. Century No. 18 – 136 v Pakistan, Chennai (1999)

This is a Test match a lot of fans remember for different reasons. One of the main reasons was a fantastic 136 from Sachin Tendulkar.

India and Pakistan were playing a Test series for the first time since 1989 (Tendulkar’s debut series). After electing to bat first at Chepauk, Pakistan could only manage 238. However, an inspired bowling performance from Saqlain Mushtaq (who took 5/94) helped the visitors skittle India out for 254.

Pakistan took advantage of the momentum they created and Shahid Afridi scored a belligerent 141 to put his team in control at 275/4. However, Venkatesh Prasad produced a magical spell (taking 6/33) to trigger a collapse and Pakistan were bundled out for 286.

Chasing 271, India found themselves in deep trouble at 82/5 and with Wasim, Waqar and Mushtaq looking threatening, a win looked very difficult for the hosts.

But Tendulkar, who walked into bat at 11/2, had other ideas. He scored a wonderful 136 where he was patient, bided his time at the crease, accessed the conditions beautifully and put the loose balls away. The knock became a little extra special as the Little Master was struggling with a back injury as well and he batted through the pain.

His wonderful knock took India to 254/6, but then Pakistan landed a big blow as Mushtaq prized out Tendulkar. India needed only 17 at that stage. But none of the lower-order players offered resistance as India were bowled out for 258 handing their arch-rivals a famous win.