3 greatest ODI knocks by Sachin Tendulkar in a losing cause

In a career spanning almost a quarter of a century, Sachin Tendulkar captivated and bewitched the cricketing world in a way that nobody else could. And in the process he racked up the numbers too; the 'Little Master’ holds just about every single batting record in ODI cricket, including most runs (18426), most hundreds (49), most fifties (96) and most man of the match awards (62).

More significantly, Tendulkar was the lone warrior for his side for a major part of his career. He carried the burden of not only the entire team but also that of a billion-plus Indians, who pinned their hopes on him to answer their prayers.

As great as the man was, there were numerous occasions when Tendulkar’s mastery with the willow failed to get his side past the finish line. In this article, let us look at the three greatest ODI knocks played by Sachin Tendulkar in a losing cause:

#3 141 vs Pakistan, 2004

Tendulkar's mastery with the willow went in vain against Pakistan

India took on arch rivals Pakistan at Rawalpindi in 2004. Pakistan batted first and posted a mammoth 329 runs on the board, courtesy a whirlwind opening stand of 138 runs between Yasir Hameed and Shahid Afridi and a cameo from Abdul Razzaq lower down the order.

In reply, Tendulkar led the charge with the willow for India. The master batsman scored a scintillating 141, inclusive of 17 fours and a six. But he fell with the score at 265, and India folded like a pack of cards for 317 runs - enabling Pakistan to win by 12 runs.

To put things into perspective, the next highest scorer for the Indian team was Rahul Dravid who managed 36 runs.

Match summary: Pakistan 329/6 (Yasir Hameed 80) beat India 317/10 (Sachin Tendulkar 141)

Also see – World Test Championship points table

#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)

#1 175 vs Australia, 2009

Tendulkar reduced the passage of time to irrelevance on his way to 175 against Australia.

The year was 2009, and Sachin Tendulkar by then was in his 20th year in international cricket. But the master batsman reduced the passage of time to a blip and enthralled the cricketing world with this splendid innings.

Australia posted a colossal 350 runs on the board, Shaun Marsh leading the way with 112. In reply, Tendulkar played one of the greatest innings ever seen in ODI cricket. No Australian bowler was spared; Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus were driven with finesse and Nathan Hauritz was hoisted handsomely into the crowd.

But then, with India needing just 19 runs to win, disaster struck. Tendulkar went for the paddle shot, the ball took the leading edge, and landed straight into the hands of short fine leg.

After Tendulkar’s dismissal the team's hopes evaporated as well. India snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, going down by a slender margin of 3 runs.

Match Summary: Australia 350/4 (Shaun Marsh 112) beat India 347/10 (Sachin Tendulkar 175)