On this day: Sachin Tendulkar scores his maiden Test double century

The greatest batting maestro to have blessed Indian Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, smashed his first double ton in Test cricket on this day (30th October). It was in 1999 when New Zealand came to India to play the Test series, and it was the 3rd Test of the series in Ahmedabad. Tendulkar hit a double century to stun opponents. Though the match ended in a draw, it saw some spectacular batting displays by the players.

Talking about the match, India batted first and declared on a huge 583/7. The batting innings of India saw two terrific centuries and a double ton by Master Blaster. He played a scintillating knock of 217 after coming to bat at 102/2. He first stitched a partnership of 80 runs with Sadagoppan Ramesh and then blunted the leather adding 281 runs with Sourav Ganguly for the fourth wicket.

It was his resolute batting for 494 minutes that put India ahead. Sachin smashed 29 classic fours during his marathon stay in the middle and was the seventh wicket to get out with the score reading 521. Centuries came from Sadagoppan Ramesh (110) and Sourav Ganguly (125) as well with India declaring at a mammoth 583/7.

From the bowling unit of New Zealand, Daniel Vettori was impressive and claimed a four-wicket haul. When the guests came to bat, the entire team was bundled out for just 308 runs. Nathan Astle (74) and Chris Cairns (72) were the highest run-scorers for the Kiwis. As for India’s bowling, ace spinner Anil Kumble was at his sheer best and grabbed a five-wicket haul on his name.

Batting in the second innings, India declared on 148/5 with Sourav Ganguly smashing a quick half-century. While chasing a mammoth 424, the Kiwis ended on 252/2 by the end of the fifth day, and the match ended in a draw.

Anil Kumble was named the player of the series for his bowling brilliance while Sachin Tendulkar was the Man of the Match for his scintillating 217 which was one of his best knocks.