On this day: Sachin Tendulkar scores his maiden IPL ton
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden IPL century on April 15th, 2011. Playing for the Mumbai Indians against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Tendulkar showed why he is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time with an outstanding knock.
Opening the innings for the Mumbai Indians, Tendulkar started cautiously but quickly began to play some breathtaking shots. His opening partner Davy Jacobs fell when the team’s score was 61. Tendulkar then added 116 runs with Ambati Rayudu for the second wicket. He hit 12 gorgeous fours and three towering sixes in his innings, bringing up his half-century off just 39 balls and his century off only 66 balls.
When the last over of the first innings began, Tendulkar was batting on 90 not out. He struck boundaries on the 3rd and the 5th ball of Vinay Kumar’s over. He stood at 99 before the final ball was bowled and he completed his century with a single. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai erupted in cheers as Tendulkar brought up his century, with the Mumbai Indians’ dugout equally ecstatic. His teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him, and Tendulkar acknowledged the crowd’s cheers by raising his bat in celebration.
This was Tendulkar’s first century in the IPL and it was a testament to his continued mastery of the game. Mumbai eventually finished with a score of 182/2 in their 20 overs. Kochi opener Brendon McCullum replied with a blazing knock of 81 from 60 balls. Mahela Jayawardene also struck a fifty as KTK won by 8 wickets. However, it was Sachin Tendulkar’s century that remained the biggest talking point of this game.
