Flashback 1995: Sachin Tendulkar becomes the youngest to score 3000 ODI runs
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is arguably the greatest batter to have played the game at the highest level. He holds several batting records to his name including the most number of centuries and individual runs in Tests and One Day Internationals. Sachin also became the first player to score an ODI double century against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010.
It was only from 1998 onwards that Tendulkar started scoring centuries consistently. Even before that, he was the central figure of India’s batting line-up, especially in ODIs. Meanwhile, it was on 9th April 1995 that the ‘Master Blaster’ scored his fourth ton in One Day Internationals. During the knock, he also became the youngest batter to score 3000 ODI runs.
Sachin Tendulkar stars in India’s chase
India faced Sri Lanka in the fifth match of Asia Cup 1995. A splendid performance from India’s pace duo Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad restricted the Lankans to 202/9 from their 50 overs after Arjuna Ranatunga decided to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium. The target looked easy but, the Indian batters were up against a lethal Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Tendulkar took up the challenge as he opened the innings along with Manoj Prabhakar. Not only did the duo see off the new ball successfully but was also involved in a massive 161-run stand for the first wicket. Prabhakar was dismissed for 60 and Navjot Singh Sidhu followed cheaply for 3. However, all eyes were only on one person right from the beginning and that was the Little Master.
Sachin showed a positive intent right from the beginning against Chaminda Vaas, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Dharmasena, Aravinda de Silva, etc. and successfully anchored the run chase. Not only did the batting maestro register his fourth ODI ton but also took India past the finish line by eight wickets in the 34th over.
Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 112 runs from 117 deliveries at a strike rate of 104.67 including 15 fours and a six and was deservingly adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
The victory was good enough to earn India a place in the final as the Mohammad Azharuddin-led side would eventually go on to lift their third consecutive and fourth overall Asia Cup title.
Sachin Tendulkar was the lone centurion of the tournament and also finished with most number of runs (205).
