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

#5. Century No. 20 – 126* v New Zealand, Mohali (1999)

Tendulkar was in sublime form in the late 1990s.

This set marked the beginning of the second stint as captain for Sachin Tendulkar. And it was off to the worst possible start for the Little Master. New Zealand opted to field first on a lively track in Mohali.

The Kiwi pacers were on fire, as they skittled India out for a mere 83 with Dion Nash taking 6/27. New Zealand’s reply wasn’t a great one, but they still managed to take a 132-run lead. Javagal Srinath starred with the ball for India as he took 6/45.

The Indian openers (Sadagoppan Ramesh and Devang Gandhi) wiped off the deficit as they put on a 137-run opening stand. But both of them fell in the 70s. With the second new ball relatively new, Tendulkar walked into bat at 181/2 (the lead was just 49).

The pressure was on Tendulkar to take India to safety. Along with Rahul Dravid, the little master bailed the hosts out of trouble as both scored majestic tons. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 126 as India put up 505 on the board setting New Zealand a target of 374.

The Kiwi batsmen grinded it out to eke out a draw as India managed to pick 7 wickets in the second innings. But, it was Dravid and Tendulkar whose patience and grit helped India get out of trouble.