3 greatest ODI knocks by Sachin Tendulkar in a losing cause

#2 143 vs Australia, 1998

This innings of Tendulkar is fondly referred to as the 'Desert Storm' innings

22nd April 1998 will be etched in the minds of cricket aficionados forever. It was the day when Sachin Tendulkar used the bat in his hand like a sorcerer, conjuring strokes of breathtaking beauty that nearly took India past the finish line against the formidable Australians.

Australia batted first and posted a challenging 284 runs on the board, courtesy a brilliant hundred from Michael Bevan. When India started the chase, Tendulkar batted like a man possessed. The likes of Shane Warne and Damien Fleming were carted all around the ground as the master batsman scored a resplendent 143.

However, the scintillating knock went in vain as the other batsman could not stand up to the Australian bowling attack. India lost the match by 26 runs, but Tendulkar's effort did ensure that India put up enough runs on the board to qualify for the final.

This innings is also fondly referred to as the ‘Desert Storm’ innings and is hailed as one of Tendulkar's greatest knocks in ODI cricket.

Match Summary: Australia 284/7 (Michael Bevan 101) beat India 250/5 (Sachin Tendulkar 143)