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

#4. Century No. 19 – 124* v Sri Lanka, Colombo (1999)

This was Sachin's 5th Test century against Sri Lanka.

During the Asian Test Championship in 1999, India had lost their opening game to arch-rivals Pakistan. In the second game against hosts Sri Lanka, India were put into bat.

The Sri Lankan skipper would have hoped for early breakthroughs so that they could keep India in check, but it was not the case as India racked up 518. Sadagopan Ramesh (143) and Rahul Dravid (107) struck hundreds and there were useful contributions from Tendulkar (53), Azharuddin (87) and Ganguly (56).

However, Sri Lanka were up to the task and they gave a strong reply. On the back of Mahela Jayawardene’s 242, Sri Lanka scored 485 and by the time they finished their innings it was already late on the fourth day.

On the fifth day, Tendulkar walked in to bat at 74/2 and scored a superb 124. He was in total control of his innings where he scored 10 fours and 1 six. His 19th Test century ensured that India drew the game and got their first points of the tournament.