Reliving Sachin Tendulkar's ODI centuries: 6-10

In what was a glittering career spanning between 1989 and 2012, Sachin Tendulkar metamorphosed himself into becoming the epitome of consistency and longevity in the annals of ODI cricket. 18,426 runs from 463 matches at an impressive average of 44.83 and splendid strike-rate of 86.23 stand as apt vindication of his unparalleled prowess in the format's history.

Tendulkar hammered as many as 49 centuries and 96 fifties in his memorable career. Continuing from last month's segment which reminisced his first five tons, let us relive the batting maestro's sixth to tenth ODI hundreds. All five of those particular centuries came in 1996 against various teams spanning across different tournaments.

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#6 - 137 (137) against Sri Lanka at Delhi, 1996

After steamrolling Kenya and West Indies, India's campaign in the 1996 World Cup hit a stumbling block when they ran into a confident Australian unit. Eager to return to winning ways, Mohammad Azharuddin's team took on a Sri Lankan outfit who were the beneficiaries of a couple of walk-overs.

In front of a sell-out crowd at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to chase. Ravindra Pushpakumara got them off to the perfect start by removing Manoj Prabhakar early in the piece. But Tendulkar batted fluently and anchored India's innings. He stitched vital partnerships with Sanjay Manjrekar as well as Azharuddin. The star batsman completed a sublime century before being run-out in the end overs. In all, his run-a-ball 137 contained 8 fours and 5 sixes.

Despite being confronted with a formidable target of 272, Sri Lanka cruised to a comprehensive victory. Swashbuckling opener Sanath Jayasuriya set the tone by smashing a 76-ball 79 before the cool heads of Arjuna Ranatunga and Hashan Tillakaratne completed the run-chase.

#7 - 100 (111) against Pakistan at Singapore, 1996

Tendulkar tamed a strong Pakistani bowling attack during the Singer Cup

Although they were without key man Wasim Akram, Pakistan still brought a daunting bowling attack to the 1996 Singer Cup at Singapore. While Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed manned the pace department, the spin duo of Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq also presented a menacing challenge to opposition lineups. In the third match of the tournament, they locked horns with arch-rivals India at Singapore Cricket Club in Padang.

After being sent into bat, India once again found themselves depending on Tendulkar to provide the impetus to their innings. Relishing the challenge, the dynamic opener reeled off nine fours and a six during his magnificent 111-ball century. Despite his knock, the Indians could only muster a below-par total of 226. The opening combination of Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail ensured that Pakistan pocketed a clinical victory in the rain-hit encounter.

#8 - 118 (140) against Pakistan at Sharjah, 1996

Tendulkar put on a match-winning partnership with Navjot Singh Sidhu

Featuring the likes of South Africa and Pakistan, India participated in a tri-series at Sharjah during April 1996. Vying for the Pepsi Sharjah Cup, their chances had taken a massive hit following defeats from their first two matches. Needing a victory to keep their campaign alive, India squared off against Pakistan in a pulsating clash at the fabled venue.

After losing Vikram Rathour early, India needed a partnership to set the foundation. Having found an able ally in Navjot Singh Sidhu, Tendulkar batted with authority and compiled a decisive 231-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batsmen brought up their respective centuries as India crossed the 300-run mark. A disciplined effort from their bowlers helped them eke out a much needed 28-run win against Pakistan.

#9 - 110 (138) against Sri Lanka at Colombo, 1996

Tendulkar's resilient century could not prevent India from slipping to a hefty defeat

During August and September of 1996, India locked horns with Sri Lanka, Australia and Zimbabwe in the Singer World Series. In the second match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, they were embroiled in a fascinating tussle against the hosts. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, they lost Ajay Jadeja for a nine-ball duck. The onus once again fell on Tendulkar to take control of the proceedings.

Also captaining the team, he had to curtail his natural game and shepherd a fragile batting lineup by playing through the innings. While Tendulkar amassed 110 from 138 deliveries, Azharuddin played one of the most sluggish knocks in his career. The stylish Hyderabadi crawled to a 99-ball 58. As a result, India limped to a inadequate total of 226. Jayasuriya's blazing century helped Sri Lanka make a complete mockery of the run-chase.

#10 - 114 (126) against South Africa at Mumbai, 1996

Tendulkar treated his home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium to a wonderful display of stroke-play

Having won the Titan Cup and surged to a memorable 2-1 Test series triumph, India entered the one-off ODI in Mumbai with immense confidence. On the other hand, South Africa had already begun thinking of the flight back home as a long and fruitless tour arrived at its conclusion. Batting first, India were bolstered by a tremendous century from skipper Tendulkar.

The attacking right-hander ran hard between the wickets and put the visitors to the sword. As evidenced by his tally of 14 boundaries, he paced his innings to perfection. Powered by Tendulkar's 126-ball 114, India reached 267 on a dicey track. Venkatesh Prasad's four-wicket haul crippled South Africa's pursuit and ensured that the hosts coasted to a facile 74-run victory.