5 greatest knocks of Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs

3. 175 vs Australia, 2009

When Tendulkar is at his best, all the demons in the pitch vanish, and all the other batsmen appear ordinary

This knock will go down as the greatest ever knock played in a losing cause in ODI cricket. Tendulkar was 36-years-old, but he created an illusion of timelessness with the way he played on that day.

Chasing 351 for victory, India kept losing wickets at the other end, but Tendulkar continued on. He was at his thrilling best on that day. And when Tendulkar is at his best, all the demons in the pitch vanish, and all the other batsmen appear ordinary.

In a knock consisting of 19 fours and four sixes, he captivated all those who were watching this classic unfold. And with just 19 runs required off the last three overs, there was only one man who stood between Australia and victory- Sachin Tendulkar.

Clint Mckay’s slower ball proved to be the fatal delivery. As Tendulkar went for the scoop, the ball took the top edge and fell in the hands of short fine leg. And as was the case throughout his career, after Tendulkar fell, the other Indian batsmen folded up like a pack of cards, and India lost the match by a mere three runs.