Reliving Sachin Tendulkar's Test centuries: Century 16-20

#2. Century No. 17 – 113 v New Zealand, Wellington (1998)

This 113 was Sachin's first Test ton against New Zealand.

When India toured New Zealand in late 1998, that year had already become one of the most special years for Tendulkar. The way he countered various types of bowling attacks was phenomenal. In ODI cricket he had scaled new heights. He had scored 1894 runs (with 9 tons) at an average of 65.31 and a strike-rate of 102.16. Even in Test cricket, he scored 487 runs at an average of 81.17.

And the year only got better. After the first Test was completely washed out, India elected to bat first at the Basin Reserve (Wellington) and were shot out for 208 on the first day. Only Azharuddin (103) and Tendulkar (47) made notable contributions. The Kiwis posted 352 and took a crucial 142-run lead.

In the second innings, the Master Blaster walked out to bat with India were still 68 behind and the Kiwi pacers were in good form as well. But the way Tendulkar came in and changed the tempo of the game was brilliant. He shared crucial stands with Ganguly and Azharuddin to help India go into the lead.

He nicely kept the scoreboard ticking and attacked when he needed to and got to his 17th Test century. His 113 helped India reach 356 in the second innings and set New Zealand a target of 213.

India were on top when they had the hosts at 74/5, but Craig McMillan (74) and Chris Cairns (61) helped the Blackcaps get over the line and Tendulkar’s ton went in vain.