Memorable Test innings by each of the 'Fab Five' of Indian Cricket

#3 Sachin Tendulkar, vs Pakistan, Chennai 1999 (136 off 273 balls)

A heartbreak of magnanimous proportions for the Master

For an ardent Indian cricket fan who grew up in the 90s, Sachin Tendulkar's 136 on a raging turner against the rampaging Pakistani attack bore a bitter-sweet memory.

After Tendulkar's debut in 1989, the India vs Pakistan rivalry was restricted to tri-nation tournaments, normally held in Sharjah, and the global ICC events. In the January of 1999, India hosted Pakistan for a two-match Test series with the first match scheduled at the Chepauk in Chennai.

Pakistan had set India 271 runs in the fourth Innings to win the game and at 5/82, it didn't look like India would get anywhere close to the target. However, the Pakistani attack ran into the Master Blaster who stood his ground in a bid to pull off the improbable whilst showing glimpses of his greatness.

Tendulkar's single-handed effort on a wearing fifth day Chennai track was a stuff of genius and perfection. Severely hampered by a back spasm, Tendulkar's innings epitomized his perseverance, skills, temperament, and more importantly, the will to win in all situations. Tendulkar did his job that day, leaving just 17 runs to get when he finally got out only to see his teammates squander the advantage in an insipid display of temperament.

It was a game of blood and tears, perhaps the greatest innings and the saddest tragedy of Sachin Tendulkar's career.