List of Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 ODI centuries : 49. 114 vs Bangladesh in Mirpur

49 ODI centuries from 463 matches

Tendulkar had to wait for quite some time for his maiden ODI ton. He managed to score his first one against Australia in his 79th ODI match, but there was no looking back from there onwards and he went on to score 48 more of those! Here is a detailed list of all his ODI centuries.

1. 110 vs Australia in Colombo

September 9, 1994: It was a very special match for Tendulkar as after playing five years of international cricket, he slammed his maiden ODI ton against the Aussies in his 79th ODI match.

The tournament was Singer Cup and it was a must-win game for India having lost the first match to Sri Lanka. Sachin opened the innings with Manoj Prabhakar and scored 110 runs off 130 balls with 8 boundaries and two sixes. With this knock, Sachin surpassed his previous best score of 84 runs - scored against New Zealand at Auckland.

Result: India won by 31 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

2. 115 vs New Zealand in Vadodara

October 28, 1994: The tournament was Wills Cup triangular series and India were playing against New Zealand.

Batting first, the Kiwis scored 269 runs after opener Kein Rutherford (108) and Adam Parore (96) opened the innings in style. Indian openers Manoj Prabhakar (74) and Tendulkar replied back brilliantly and added 144 runs for the first wicket. Sachin’s knock comprised of 9 boundaries.

Result: India won by 7 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

3. 105 vs West Indies in Jaipur

November 11, 1994: India were playing against the West Indies at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and Tendulkar scored his maiden ton against the Windies.

Batting first, Sachin with his opening partner Ajay Jadeja got India to a good start and Tendulkar followed it with a 117-run stand with Kambli for the second wicket. It was Tendulkar’s third ODI ton, where he scored 10 boundaries. India reached a respectable score of 259 runs and won the match in style after a good show from the Indian spinners.

Result: India won by 5 runs

4. 112* vs Sri Lanka in Sharjah

April 9, 1995: It was Asia Cup where Tendulkar slammed his 12th international ton. Sri Lanka batted first and were bundled out for a paltry score of 202 runs. Sachin and Manoj Prabhakar (60), got India to a terrific start as they added 161 runs for the first wicket. Navjot Singh Sidhu was the other batsman to be dismissed as India won the match convincingly and Sachin remained not out on 112 runs.

Result: India won by 8 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

5. 127* vs Kenya in Cuttack

February 18, 1996: It was the first match of the 1996 World Cup and Kenya were bowled out for 199 runs as Anil Kumble picked three wickets. Openers Ajay Jadeja and Tendulkar got India off to a flier as they added 163 runs for the first wicket. It was Tendulkar’s first century in a World Cup.

Result: India won by 7 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

6. 137 vs Sri Lanka in Delhi

March 2, 1996: Batting first, India lost two wickets at the score of 93. Tendulkar once again came to rescue the team as he added 173 runs with skipper Mohammad Azharuddin for the third wicket as India posted a decent total of 271 runs. Sachin was unfortunately run-out after having scored 137 runs. India lost the match after Lankan openers - Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana - pummeled the Indian bowling attack and guided their side to a six-wicket win.

Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets

7. 100 vs Pakistan in Singapore

April 5, 1996: Soon after the World Cup, India, Pakistan and World Champions Sri Lanka got together to play a triangular series. Indian lost wickets at regular intervals and managed to score just 226 runs, 100 off which were scored by Tendulkar. Rain interrupted play and when play resumed, Pakistan needed 187 runs in 33 overs. Pakistan convincingly chased down the target.

Result: Pakistan won by 8 wickets (D/L)

8. 118 vs Pakistan in Sharjah

April 25, 1996: On this occasion, India were again playing a triangular tournament, this time with Pakistan and South Africa. After losing both their games in the tournament, India were up against Pakistan in a must-win game.

Waqar Younis got Pakistan an early breakthrough after which Tendulkar and Sidhu stitched yet another big partnership of 231 runs. Sachin’s knock included 8 boundaries and 2 sixes. India piled a mammoth score of 305 runs.

Result: India won by 28 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

9. 110 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

August 28, 1996: This match was a special one for Tendulkar as he was handed over the captaincy for the first time. But Tendulkar seemed to enjoy the burden of expectations as he slammed another ton - 110 runs - and was unfortunately run-out. His innings included 5 fours and a six. The Lankans won the match as Jayasuriya exploded at the top of the order and scored unbeaten 120 runs.

Result: Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets

10. 114 vs South Africa in Mumbai

December 14, 1996: Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar once again rose to the occasion and slammed his tenth ODI ton. He opened the innings with WV Raman and hit 14 boundaries in front of his home crowd. India posted 267 runs on the board and a fine spell from Venkatesh Prasad (27/4) guided India to a comprehensive win.

Result: India won by 74 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

11. 104 vs Zimbabwe in Benoni

February 9, 1997: Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar won the toss and invited Zimbabwe to bat first. Their skipper Alistair Campbell played a captain’s knock of 86 runs and opened the innings in style with Grant Flower (40).

India needed to chase down the total in 40.5 overs to move ahead in the tournament on the basis of net run-rate. Tendulkar was in a different mood and he launched an attack on Zimbabwe bowlers and scored 104 off just 97 balls. India went on to win the match with nine balls remaining.

Result: India won by 6 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

12. 117 vs New Zealand in Bangalore

May 14, 1997: It was the Independence Day cup - a tournament to mark India’s 50th anniversary of Independence.

In the first league match, New Zealand scored a low score of 222 runs. Indian openers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar provided a solid platform as the duo added 169 runs for the first wicket. The rest was a formality and India convincingly won the match.

Result: India won by 8 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

13. 100 vs Australia in Kanpur

April 7, 1998: India were hosting a triangular series after a comprehensive win against the Aussies. Zimbabwe was the third team alongside India and Australia.

In the second match of the tournament, Indian bowlers restricted the Aussies to just 222 runs. The chase seemed a cakewalk for India as openers Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar added 175 runs for the first wicket. Ganguly was dismissed on 72 by Kasprowicz but Sachin went on and hammered a ton off just 88 balls.

Result: India won by 6 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

14. 143 vs Australia in Sharjah

April 22, 1998: In what is hailed as one of Tendulkar’s finest knocks, the Little Master once again took his game to a different level against the Aussies. Batting first in the last league match of the Coca-Cola Cup, Australia posted a formidable score of 284 runs after Michael Bevan slammed an unbeaten ton (101*).

India lost the wicket of Mongia early in the innings after which Sachin and Nayan Mongia added 69 runs for the second wicket. But India soon lost three quick wickets and to make matter worse, a sandstorm interrupted the proceedings at Sharjah. Once play resumed, India needed 94 runs in 84 balls.

But an unperturbed Tendulkar enthralled the crowd with a series of incredible strokes and slammed 143 runs from 131 balls. Sachin single-handedly took the team to the final of the tournament.

Result: Australia won by 26 runs (D/L method)

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

15. 134 vs Australia in Sharjah

April 24, 1998: Tendulkar was playing some incredible cricket and the crowd had turned up in massive numbers on the occasion of his 25th Birthday.

Australia once again batted first and posted a total of 272 runs. Sachin who opened the innings once again entertained the crowd with a stupendous knock where he once again made Shane Warne look like a mediocre bowler. Sachin scored 134 runs from 131 balls and this time won the tournament for India.

Result: India won by 6 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

16. 100* vs Kenya in Kolkata

May 31, 1998: It was another triangular series where Zimbabwe and Kenya were the other two teams apart from India. Kenya had defeated India once earlier in the tournament and these two teams locked horns against each other in the final as well.

Batting first, Kenya managed to reach a score of 196 runs. India comprehensively chased down the scored in mere 35 overs as Tendulkar remained unbeaten on exactly 100 runs. The Little Master hit 13 boundaries during his stay at the crease.

Result: India won by 9 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

17. 128* vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

July 7, 1998: It was another tri-series which was hosted by Sri Lanka. It was named as the Singer Akai-Nidahas trophy where India were to play Sri Lanka in the final.

The match will be remembered for a magnificent opening partnership between Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar where the duo stitched a record 252 runs for the first wicket. Both the batsmen smashed formidable centuries. While Ganguly scored 109 runs from 136 balls, Tendulkar was more aggressive as he scored 128 runs from 131 balls. Aravinda deSilva also scored a century but Sri Lanka fell inches short of the total.

Result: : India won by 6 runs.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

18. 127* vs Zimbabwe in Bulawayo (ODI)

September 26, 1998: India were touring Zimbabwe for a 3-match ODI series and one Test match. Zimbabwe posted a score of 213 runs batting first. India lost the wicket of Ganguly early, after which Dravid and Tendulkar added 180 runs for the second wicket. Sachin’s knock comprised of 13 boundaries and a six.

Result: India won by 8 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

19. 141 vs Australia in Dhaka

October 28, 1998: Bangladesh hosted the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy which was also known as the Mini World Cup. India were invited to bat first by Australia.

Sachin Tendulkar had been in sublime form against the Aussies in Sharjah and he continued to pummel their bowling attack as the Little Master smashed his third successive ton. Sachin’s knock included 13 boundaries and 3 sixes. India reached a good score of 307 runs. Tendulkar also became the hero with the ball as he claimed four wickets and ripped through Australian middle-order.

Result: India won by 44 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

20. 118* vs Zimbabwe in Sharjah

November 8, 1998: It was another tri-series between India, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. In the second match of the series, Indian bowlers bundled out Zimbabwe for just 196 runs. Tendulkar once again played a crucial knock for his side and single-handedly won the match and clobbered 118 runs off just 112 balls.

Result: India won by 7 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

21. 124* vs Zimbabwe in Sharjah

November 13, 1998: India were now playing Zimbabwe in the final of the Coca-cola triangular series. Earlier in the series, Zimbabwe paceman Henry Olonga had dismissed Tendulkar for 11 runs and had tried to upset him with short ball on various occasions.

In the final match, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 196 runs. When India came to bat, Tendulkar dominated the proceedings and smashed Olonga to all parts of the ground. The Little Master reached his ton off just 71 balls and India didn’t lose a wicket as the Tendulkar-Ganguly duo guided them to an easy win.

Result: India won by 10 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

22. 140* vs Kenya in Bristol

May 23, 1999: The 1999 World Cup had begun and Tendulkar’s father - Ramesh Tendulkar passed away on 18th May. India were supposed to play Kenya in a crucial match on May 23 and Tendulkar was back for his national duties.

Batting first, India posted a score of 329 runs which saw centuries from Dravid (104*) and Tendulkar. Considering the circumstances, it was a special century from the Little Master who scored 16 boundaries and three sixes.

Result: India won by 94 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

23. 120 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

August 29, 1999: Tendulkar was once again made the captain of the Indian team after their poor show in the 1999 World Cup. India were supposed to play a triangular series - AIWA Cup with Sri Lanka and Australia.

India had lost their first three games and were up against Sri Lanka in the fourth. Tendulkar came to open the innings with Sadgopan Ramesh and the pair added 75 runs for the first wicket. Tendulkar followed it with another big partnership - 127 runs with Ganguly for the third wicket. Sachin scored 11 boundaries and two sixes in his 141-ball knock.

Result: India won by 23 runs (D/L method)

24. 186* vs New Zealand in Hyderabad

November 8, 1999: It was the second ODI match of the five-match series where India batted first and reached a mammoth total - 376 in 50 overs.

Ganguly was run out early in the innings which was followed by a magnificent display of phenomenal cricket from the Little Master and The Wall. Both these batsmen made a mockery of the New Zealand bowling attack and hammered a 331-run partnership for the second wicket. Sachin blasted 186 runs off just 150 balls which comprised of 20 boundaries and three sixes. Sachin also surpassed Ganguly’s 183 runs to became the batsman with the highest individual score for India in the ODIs.

Result: India won by 174 runs.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

25. 122 vs South Africa in Vadodara

March 17, 2000: India were now playing a five-match series against South Africa, which was also Tendulkar’s last as the India skipper.

In the fourth match of the series - where the Proteas were trailing 1-2, South Africa reached a score of 282 runs, courtesy a good opening partnership from Jacques Kallis (81*) and Gary Kirsten (72).

India gave a fitting reply as the opening pair of Ganguly and Tendulkar hammered 153 runs for the first wicket. Ganguly was dismissed for 87, while Tendulkar scored yet another ton - 122 from 138 balls - and guided India to a win.

Result: India won by 4 wickets.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

26. 101 vs Sri Lanka in Sharjah

October 20, 2000: Coca-Cola Champions Trophy was being held in Sharjah which had three teams - India, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

India batted first and lost wickets at quick successions. Sachin Tendulkar fought a lone battle for his side and was finally run out. But before that, he had scored a crucial ton and had contributed 101 runs out of India’s 224.

Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

27. 146 vs Zimbabwe in Jodhpur

December 8, 2000: India and Zimbabwe were now playing a five-match ODI series.

In the third match, Indian skipper Ganguly was dismissed for 5 after which Sachin and Dravid added 114 runs for third wicket. Indian kept losing wickets at regular intervals but a determined Tendulkar went onto to score 146 runs, as India reached a total of 283.

Result: Zimbabwe won by 1 wicket.

28. 139 vs Australia in Indore

March 31, 2001: India were now playing an ODI series against the Aussies. Both the teams had won one match each and the series was levelled at 1-1.

Batting first, India lost the wicket of Dravid early in the innings after which Tendulkar and Laxman put on 199 runs for the second wicket. Tendulkar’s innings had 19 boundaries which included some magnificent strokes. It was a special match for the Little Master as he became the first batsman to reach 10, 000 runs in ODIs.

Result: India won by 118 runs.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

29. 122* vs West Indies in Harare

July 4, 2001: India were now touring Zimbabwe who hosted a triangular series with India and West Indies.

In the last league match of the tournament, West Indies were put to bat first by India where they scored 229 runs. Chasing the meagre total, Tendulkar and Ganguly provided a great start as they stitched 133 runs for the first wicket. Sachin remained unbeaten as India registered a convincing victory.

Result: India won by 6 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

30. 101 vs South Africa in Johannesburg

October 5, 2001: India were touring South Africa for a triangular series, Kenya being the third team.

In their first league match of the tournament, Ganguly and Sachin added 133 runs for the first wicket partnership. Sachin scored 101 runs before being dismissed my Kallis. It was a good comeback by the Little Master after he missed international cricket for around three months due to a toe injury.

Result: South Africa won by 6 wickets

31. 146 vs Kenya in Paarl

October 24, 2001: India and Kenya were playing for the third time in the tournament. They were leveled at 1-1 in the series.

Once again, Ganguly and Tendulkar got their side to a terrific start and plundered 258 runs for the first wicket. Odoyo dismissed Ganguly for 111, but Sachin and Sehwag continued to hammer the Zimbabwe bowlers. Tendulkar finally fell to Odoyo, but he had produced yet another scintillating innings.

Result: India won by 186 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

32. 105* vs England in Chester-le-street

July 4, 2002: India and England were playing against each other in a triangular series where Sri Lanka was the third team.

Batting first, India lost three quick wickets of Ganguly, Sehwag and Dinesh Mongia. Tendulkar, who came to bat at number 4 added 169 runs with Rahul Dravid (82) who was finally dismissed by Collingwood. Tendulkar remained not out on 105 and his innings comprised of eight boundaries and a six.

Result: Match abandoned due to rain

33. 113 vs Sri Lanka in Bristol

July 11, 2002: In the same series, India were now playing against Sri Lanka in their third match.

It was a decent start for India who lost two wickets for 73 runs. Tendulkar who was in sublime form added a crucial 99-run partnership with Dinesh Mongia for the third wicket. The Little Master once again slammed a ton, an innings where he faced 102 balls and slammed 12 boundaries and a six. India reached a good score of 304 runs and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 241.

Result:India won by 63 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

34. 152 vs Namibia in Pietermaritzburg

February 23, 2003: Just ahead of the 2003 World Cup, Indian fans got the shock of their lives when India were humiliated in the Test and the ODI series which they played in New Zealand.

India played a match against minnows Namibia where Tendulkar and Ganguly sent them on a leather hunt and the duo went on to score a century each. Tendulkar scored 152 runs which had 18 boundaries while Ganguly’s 112 runs had six boundaries and four sixes. India went on to register a massive win as the score was an uphill task for the inexperienced Namibian players.

Result: India won by 181 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

35. 100 vs Australia in Gwalior

October 26, 2003: India were hosting a triangular series with New Zealand and Australia on home turf.

After losing the wicket of Sehwag for a duck, in-form Tendulkar and VVS Laxman pummeled the Australian bowlers with a 190-run stand for the second wicket. As a result of this massive partnership, India reached a formidable score of 283 runs. In reply, Gilchrist (83) and Hayden (47) got Australia to a good start but they fell short of the target towards the end.

Result: India won by 37 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

36. 102 vs New Zealand in Hyderabad

November 15, 2003: India were now playing New Zealand which was a must-win game for both the sides.

India openers – Sehwag and Tendulkar got the side to a rollicking start as they added 182 runs for the first wicket. Sachin slammed his second century of the series, an innings that comprised of 12 boundaries and a six. Tendulkar added another 74 runs with Ganguly (33) for the second wicket and India reached a total of 353 runs which proved to be too much for the Kiwis.

Result: India won by 145 runs

37. 141 vs Pakistan in Rawalpindi

March 16, 2004: To resume ties between the two countries, India toured Pakistan for Test and ODI series.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first. Their openers Yasir Hameed (86) and Afridi (80) scored two formidable knocks as Pakistan reached a score of 329/6.

In reply, India lost wickets at regular intervals and Tendulkar was the only batsman who was fighting a lone battle for his team. The Little Master scored a magnificent 141 which came off 135 balls and comprised of 17 boundaries and a six. Despite Tendulkar’s stellar performance with the bat, India fell short of the total as there was no other batsman who could spend some time at the crease.

Result: Pakistan won by 12 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

38. 123 vs Pakistan in Ahmedabad

In the beginning of 2005, Pakistan toured India. India were leading the ODI series 2-1 after three matches.

April 12, 2005: In the fourth ODI, Tendulkar who hadn’t scored a ton in the last one year replied back with another century. India were batting first and Tendulkar pummeled the Pakistani bowlers and added 129 runs for the second wicket with MS Dhoni (47) who was promoted up the order. Tendulkar entertained the crowd with 12 boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Shoaib Malik. India posted another massive score – 315 for 6 which was surprisingly chased down by Pakistan.

Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets

39. 100 vs Pakistan in Peshawar

February 6, 2006: In the beginning of 2006, India toured Pakistan for a three-match Test series and a five-match ODI series.

In the first ODI, after India lost the wicket of Sehwag early in the innings, Tendulkar was involved in two important partnerships. First with Irfan Pathan (65), Tendulkar added 94 runs for the second wicket which was followed by a 126-run partnership with MS Dhoni (68) for the third wicket. India reached a score of 328 runs which was chased down by Pakistan through D/L method.

Result: Pakistan won by 7 runs (D/L method)

40. 141* vs West Indies in Kuala Lumpur

September 14, 2006: Tendulkar missed five months of international cricket as he had to undergo a shoulder operation. The Little Master resumed playing cricket in a triangular series where West Indies and Australia were the other two teams. India played their first match of the series against the Windies.

Skipper Dravid and Tendulkar added 75 runs for the first wicket and Sachin stitched 125 runs for the second wicket with Irfan Pathan (64). The rest of the batsmen couldn’t do much but Tendulkar remained unbeaten towards the end and his innings comprised of 13 boundaries and five sixes. In reply Windies scored 141 runs in 20 overs before heavy rains interrupted play and they were declared winners according to the D/L method.

Result: West Indies won by 29 runs (D/L method)

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

41. 100* vs West Indies in Vadodara

West Indies once again toured India for a 4-match series in early 2007. Dravid-led Indian team won the first two matches and lost the third.

January 31, 2007: In the fourth ODI, the top order made some significant contributions for India as Dravid and Ganguly added 101 runs for the second wicket. Once Ganguly was dismissed by Gayle, Tendulkar joined the party and added 118 runs for the third wicket which boosted India’s total to 341 runs. Dravid was out on 78, as Tendulkar scored exactly 100 runs which comprised of 10 boundaries and a six. All Indian bowlers picked wickets as India won the match in style.

Result: India won by 160 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

42. 117* vs Australia in Sydney

India had made it to the best-of-three-final of the CB Series tournament which was a tough ask against Australia on their home soil.

March 2, 2008: Australia won the toss and decided to bat first keeping in mind Indian team’s habit of succumbing to the pressure of big matches. Australia lost their top order for just 24 runs but it was a brilliant innings from Hayden (82) that brought the Australian innings back on track. Australia posted 239 runs at the end of 50 overs and it was definitely not what they would have liked to score against India.

India openers Uthappa and Tendulkar added 50 runs for the opening wicket. Uthappa, Gambhir and Yuvraj fell in quick successions as Tendulkar found some support in Rohit Sharma (66) as both of them added 123 runs for the fourth wicket. India won the match by 6 wickets and Tendulkar went on to score his 42nd ODI ton. It was a special innings from Tendulkar as he hadn’t scored a century in Australia on 38 innings before this one and also because it put India 1-0 ahead in the best-of-three finals. In the second match, Tendulkar scored 91 runs and India won the series on Australian soil

Result: India won by 6 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

43. 163* vs New Zealand in Christchurch

March 8, 2009: India toured New Zealand in 2009. India won the first match of the series while the second ODI was abandoned.

In the third match, Tendulkar who came to open the innings, slammed another century on a wicket that looked like a batsman’s paradise. Tendulkar was at his brutal best as he plundered 16 boundaries and five sixes during his 133-ball stay. A late flourish from MS Dhoni (68) and Yuvraj Singh (87) boosted India’s total to 392 runs. The Kiwis tried their best to chase down the score but failed.

Result: India won by 58 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

44. 138 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

September 14, 2009: India toured Sri Lanka for a triangular series where New Zealand was the third team. India reached the final where they were up against the hosts.

Dravid and Tendulkar opened the innings and added 95 runs for the first wicket in 17.2 overs before Dravid was dismissed by Jayasuriya. Tendulkar was in good rhythm and he followed the first dismissal with a 110-run stand with MS Dhoni for the second wicket partnership. Tendulkar also stitched 71 runs with Yuvraj Singh for the third wicket before being dismissed by Ajantha Mendis. It was a superb knock from the Little Master and he hammered 10 boundaries and a six during his stay at the crease. India reached a score of 319/5 in 50 overs and the bowlers did the rest of the job for MS Dhoni.

Result: India won by 46 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

45. 175 vs Australia in Hyderabad

November 5, 2009: Australia toured India in November 2009 for a seven-match ODI series. The series was leveled at 2-2 after the first four matches.

In the fifth match, Australia put a massive 350 runs on the board batting first, courtesy two good knocks from Shaun Marsh (112) and Shane Watson (93). In reply, Sachin and Sehwag added 66 runs for the first wicket. But all of a sudden, India lost wickets in quick successions and Tendulkar fought a forlorn battle alone. He found some company in Suresh Raina (59) and these two added 137 runs for the fifth wicket. But once Raina was dismissed by Watson, other batsmen couldn’t contribute much as Tendulkar too fell when India needed 18 runs to win. Even though India lost the thriller, it was one of Tendulkar’s finest ODI knock. He faced just 141 balls and blasted 19 boundaries and four sixes.

Result: Australia won by 3 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

46. 200* vs South Africa in Gwalior

February 24, 2010: Mind blowing – is the word which is apt to describe Tendulkar’s incredible knock against South Africa as he became the first batsman to score a double ton in ODIs.

After India lost the wicket of Sehwag with 25 runs on board, Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik (79) batted beautifully and added 194 runs for the second wicket. Tendulkar followed it with an 81-run partnership with Irfan Pathan for the second wicket. Skipper MS Dhoni joined the run-fest and along with Tendulkar he took India’s score beyond the 400-run mark.

The Little Master bludgeoned unbeaten 200 runs from just 147 balls which had 25 boundaries and three sixes! India scored 401 runs at the end of 50 overs and comprehensively won the match by 153 runs. The spectators at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium witnessed history being created in front of their eyes as a flawless innings added another feather to Tendulkar’s cap.

Result: India won by 153 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

47. 120 vs England in Bangalore

February 27, 2011: Sachin had missed international cricket ahead of the 2011 World Cup. India had defeated Bangladesh in the first match and were up against England in the second.

Sachin opened the innings with Sehwag and went on to score a magnificent century. Sachin added 46 runs for the first wicket with Sehwag, 134 runs for the second wicket with Gambhir and 56 runs for the third wicket with Yuvraj before being dismissed by James Anderson. Sachin was cautious early on, but once he was settled, he accelerated the pace of the innings and slammed ten boundaries and five sixes during his stay.

England gave a strong reply as their skipper – Andrew Strauss played an incredible knock under pressure and slammed 158 runs off 145 balls before being dismissed by Zaheer Khan. The match witnessed a thrilling draw.

Result: Match tied

48. 111 vs South Africa in Nagpur

March 12, 2011: India were now up against the formidable Proteas side after they had defeated Netherland and Ireland in consecutive matches.

Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat first. India openers – Sehwag and Tendulkar – demolished the South African bowling attack and stitched 142 runs for the first wicket. The second wicket produced another big partnership between Tendulkar and Gambhir – 125 runs that too came at a quick pace. Tendulkar was finally dismissed by Morkel, but once again, the Little Master had produced a magical innings in a tense match. India unfortunately lost them match as South African lower order produced a praiseworthy fight back.

Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets

49. 114 vs Bangladesh in Mirpur

March 16, 2012: It had been more than a year since he had been carrying the burden of not being able to score the much-awaited 100th ton. Tendulkar was included in the eleven man squad for the Asia cup which was criticized by many. Critics said what if Tendulkar flopped in the Asia Cup, instead of reaching the elusive ton?

But Sachin on this occasion didn’t disappoint his fans and created history by slamming his hundredth ton. India lost the wicket of Gambhir early in the innings after which Tendulkar and Virat Kohli (66) added 148 runs for the second wicket partnership. It was followed by an 86-run partnership between Suresh Raina (51) and Tendulkar. In the 44th over bowled by Shakib Al Hasan, Tendulkar worked the fourth delivery towards square leg for a single to reach the milestone.

It wasn’t the most fluent innings from Tendulkar as it came off 138 balls. He hit 12 boundaries and a six during his innings. Unfortunately, India lost the match as a result of a quick 64-run partnership between Nasir Hossain (54) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (46*) which took the match away from India.

Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets