5 Instances when Sachin Tendulkar dominated South Africa

Tendulkar loveIn an epic career that spanned 24 years, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar enthralled the fans with his many blazing knocks against the strongest of opponents. One particular side Tendulkar loved facing was South Africa.In all, Tendulkar has scored 12 centuries against one of the best bowling line-ups in the world, playing against them since 1992. Of all his 12 knocks, to pinpoint only five occasions where Tendulkar absolutely dominated the Proteas is a difficult affair.These five instances, however, prove why Tendulkar is the boss when it came to batting and dictating terms to the opposition.

#1 200* (Gwalior ODI, 2010)

The ‘Superman’ celebrates after reaching the 200-run landmark

If ever there was one batsman in the world who could cross the 200-run barrier, it had to be the legend Tendulkar. Arguably his greatest innings, the knock mesmerized the Gwalior crowd and left an indelible impression on the mind of every Indian fan.

Ravi Shastri from the commentary box rightly quipped Tendulkar as the ‘Superman from India’, after his stunning knock. Tendulkar’s knock of 200* came off just 147 deliveries and left the South Africans, and more so their spearhead Dale Steyn, completely clueless! India managed to score over 400 in that match and won comfortably.

Watch the highlights of Tendulkar’s innings below.

#2 169 (Capetown Test, 1997)

Widely hailed as one of Sachin’s best innings, his magnificent 169 came against one of the most formidable South African bowling line-ups consisting of Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener. The hosts batted first on a tricky Newlands wicket and declared after posting a mammoth total of 529/7.

India in reply, got off to a disastrous start losing their first four wickets early on in the innings. Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar, as always, was there to reduce the damage and played a composed knock of 169 before he was dismissed. India eventually went on to lose that particular Test.

#3 155 (Bloemfontein, 2001)

Sachin Tendulkar’s glorious 155 at Bloemfontein came at a time when Indian batsmen struggled to adapt to South African conditions. But Tendulkar read the pitch beautifully and played a wide array of shots in his classic knock. The Proteas bowling which was led by Makhaya Ntini, and supported by Klusener and Kallis, tried all sorts of tricks to get Tendulkar out, but in vain.

Tendulkar’s innings showed his fellow teammates, how to play and dominate the Proteas in their own backyard. Unfortunately, India lost this particular Test too, thanks to some poor bowling show, which did not reflect Tendulkar’s fantastic batting display.

#4 146 (Capetown Test, 2011)

After a long wait for the 50th Test century was finally fulfilled in Centurion a month ago, a confident Tendulkar played freely and calmly before bringing up his 51st Test 100 against the South Africans in Newlands, Capetown. This turned out to be Tendulkar’s final International Test century and came at a crucial time, helping India save the Test and salvage some pride. Coming on a tough and bouncy wicket, this was also one of Sachin’s top knocks in Test Cricket.

#5 111 (Nagpur, 2011 WC)

Tendulkar was absolutely merciless on the Proteas bowling

In this epic innings against South Africa in the 2011 World Cup at Nagpur, Tendulkar showed why he was the world’s best, playing flawless shots and timing the ball to perfection. Tendulkar’s 111 was his 99th International century and the penultimate century of his distinguished career. This was also Tendulkar’s final World Cup century and his final century at home.

Thanks to a fiery Dale Steyn spell, India who were cruising at one point at 267 for 1, collapsed to 296 all-out after the dismissal of Tendulkar. It was also the only match which India lost in the 2011 World Cup before going on to win the trophy after beating Sri Lanka in the final.