List of Sachin Tendulkar’s 51 Test centuries : 51. 146 vs South Africa in Cape Town

51 Test centuries in 200 Tests

Sachin Tendulkar once again created history when he became the first cricketer to have played 200 Tests! The Little Master has hit 51 Test centuries, the maximum ever by anybody. Here is a detailed list of his Test tons.

1. 119* vs England in Manchester

August 9, 1990: Even though Sachin Tendulkar made his Test debut against Pakistan at the age of 16 years and 205 days in 1989, he had to wait for his first ton for quite some time which came against England on their home ground. Sachin played a pivotal knock of unbeaten 119 runs – a match winnings innings – as India needed 408 runs to save the match in their second innings. But they were reeling at 183/6 at one stage, after which Tendulkar came to their rescue with his maiden Test ton. With his first century, Tendulkar became the youngest player at the age of 17 years and 112 days to score a Test hundred.

Result: Match drawn

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

2. 148* vs Australia in Sydney

January 2, 1992: Batting against the likes of Craig McDerMott, Merve Hughes and Bruce Reid, Sachin Tendulkar once again entered the history books by becoming the youngest Indian batsman to score a Test century in Australia. The match was also significant considering it was Shane Warne’s debut match and the leg-spinner went for 150 runs and picked just one wicket of Ravi Shastri who scored a double century.

Result: Match drawn

3. 114 vs Australia in Perth

February 1, 1992: Tendulkar came to bat while India had lost two wickets for just 69 runs and while the team continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, Sachin went on to score his second ton of the series and also stitched a record ninth wicket partnership for India against Australia – of 81 runs – with Kiran More. Even though the Aussies won the match, 18-year-old Tendulkar had once again done his job.

Result: Australia won by 300 runs

4. 111 vs South Africa in Johannesburg

November 26, 1992: In a match where the other Indian batsmen proved to be a terrible failure, Sachin scored runs with ease on a seaming track. Such was India’s performance in the first innings, that Kapil Dev (25) was the highest scorer for the team after Tendulkar (111) who fell for a nelson.

Result: Match drawn

5. 165 vs England in Chennai

February 11, 1993: So far, all of Sachin’s centuries had been scored on foreign soil and it was Sachin’s first series in India after he had player five away series.

It was the second Test where Tendulkar scored two big partnerships, one with Sidhu - 147 runs for the third wicket and the second with Pravin Amre - 118 runs for the fifth. Tendulkar scored 165 runs and it was his first ton in India. He had now scored 5 international tons and not to forget, he wasn’t even 20.

Result: India won by an innings and 22 runs

6. 104* vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

July 27, 1993: India were touring Sri Lanka for a three-match Test series.

It was the second match of the series and India scored 366 runs in the first innings after Vinod Kambli scored a brilliant century. The Lankans were bowled out for 254 runs in the first innings In the second innings, Tendulkar scored yet another century that came off 161 balls. His innings comprised of 11 boundaries and a six. India took a lead of 112 runs in the first innings and went on to seal the match.

Result: India won by 235 runs

7. 142 vs Sri Lanka in Lucknow

January 18, 1994: India were hosting a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

In the first Test, opener Navjot Singh Sidhu slammed yet another century and was joined by Tendulkar as these two added 121 runs for the third wicket. Once Sidhu was dismissed by Muralitharan, Tendulkar enthralled the crowd, once again, with an exhibition of well crafted strokes and scored 142 off 224 balls with 22 boundaries.

Result: India won by an innings and 119 runs

8. 179 vs West Indies in Nagpur

December 1, 1994: It was Tendulkar’s first century against the West Indies in Tests. The Little Master once again found good company in Navjot Singh Sidhu with whom he added 177 runs for the second wicket, followed by 202-run partnership with Mohammad Azharuddin. Sachin also reached his highest score in Tests by slamming 179 runs.

Result: Match drawn

9. 122 vs England in Birmingham

June 6, 1996: India were wobbling at 68/5 against England in the first Test of the three-match series at Edgbaston. England bowlers were dictating terms and Sachin Tendulkar played yet another magnificent knock, and even though India lost the match, Tendulkar was hailed by cricket experts for his gutsy knock under pressure. Sachin hit 19 fours and a six in his innings.

Result: England won by 8 wickets

10. 177 vs England in Nottingham

July 4, 1996: Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid had made their Test debuts in the previous match and the third match of the Test series was remembered for the 255-run partnership between Ganguly and Tendulkar. Both these batsmen exhibited some superb strokes and even though Ganguly was dismissed at the score of 136, Sachin went on to score another big knock - 177 runs. It was Tendulkar’s fourth Test ton against England.

Result: Match drawn

11. 169 vs South Africa in Cape Town

January 2, 1997: India were touring South Africa and they were humiliated in the first Test. The start of the second Test was no different as the likes of Allan Donald, Lance Klusener and Shaun Pollock ripped apart the Indian top order and India were struggling at 58/5.

But Tendulkar was at the crease and he found a helping hand in Azharuddin as both these batsmen displayed a superb show of bravery as they tackled the pacers and shared 222 runs between them. As a result of this incredible partnership, India reached a total of 359 runs. Till date, it is believed to be one of Tendulkar’s finest knocks.

Result: South Africa won by 282 runs

12. 143 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

August 2, 1997: India were now touring Sri Lanka where they were playing a two-match Test series.

On a flat wicket, three Indian batsmen - Sidhu, Tendulkar and Azharuddin scored centuries as India reached a formidable total of 537 runs in the first innings. Tendulkar once again played a captain’s knock and was the highest scorer for India as he scored 143 runs before being dismissed by Muralitharan.

The match is fondly remembered for a mammoth 576-run stand between Jayasuriya (340) and Mahanama (225) for the second wicket.

Result: Match drawn

13. 139 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

August 9, 1997: It was a Test match where batsmen from both the teams scored big knocks and left the bowlers exhausted. Lankans were bundled out for 332 runs in the first innings, and India too were struggling when they lost two quick wickets after which Tendulkar and Ganguly scored centuries and also stitched 150 runs for the fifth wicket. In total, Sachin scored 139 runs in the first innings.

Result: Match drawn

14. 148 vs Sri Lanka in Mumbai

December 3, 1997: It was the third Test of a series being played between India and Sri Lanka. Batting first, India lost two quick wickets post which Dravid and Ganguly brought them back into the game as a result of a century partnership. The third wicket partnership was followed by another record partnership between Ganguly and Tendulkar - of 256 runs for the fourth wicket. Sachin scored his 14th Test ton in front of his local crowd and also reached 4,000 Test runs

Result: Match drawn

15. 155* vs Australia in Chennai

March 6, 1998: It was the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia.

Sachin failed to do anything substantial in the first innings and Australia took a 71-run lead. But in the second, Tendulkar was in a different mood as he punished the Australian bowlers, including Shane Warne who dismissed him in the first innings and slammed 115 runs off just 191 balls. Australia needed 348 runs to win but were bundled out for just 168 runs as Indian spinners ripped through their batting line-up.

Result: India won by 179 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

16. 177 vs Australia in Bangalore

March 25, 1998: The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy was held at the Eden Gardens which India convincingly by an innings and 219 runs. In the third Test, the Bangalore crowd witnessed another stellar innings from the Little Master where he hammered 177 runs off just 207 balls. Even though Tendulkar won the Man of the Series award, Australia won the third Test.

Result: Australia won by 8 wickets

17. 113 vs New Zealand in Wellington

December 26, 1998: In the end of 1998, India toured New Zealand for a three-match Test series. In the second Test of the series, Tendulkar scored an impressive 47 in the first innings and slammed another ton - 113 from 151 balls and even though India lost the Test, Tendulkar was once again hailed for his ability to excel all over the world.

Result: New Zealand won by 4 wickets

18. 136 vs Pakistan in Chennai

January 28, 1999: Pakistan toured India for a historic Test series as both these teams were playing on Indian soil for first time in 12 years.

The match is remembered for one of Tendulkar’s finest knock against Pakistan under pressure. Tendulkar was dismissed for a duck in the first innings by off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. In the second innings, India were chasing 271 runs to win the match.

But India found themselves wobbling at 82/5 after which Tendulkar stitched a 136-run partnership with Nayan Mongia for the sixth wicket. After scoring 52 runs, Mongia was dismissed by Akram and Tendulkar started suffering from back spasms. Tendulkar’s wicket was finally scalped by Saqlain again and that was the end of the match as the lower order collapsed within no time.

Result: Pakistan won by 12 runs.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

19. 124* vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

February 24, 1999: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were playing in an Asian Test Championship for the first time.

In the second match of the series, Ganguly and Azharuddin slammed tons as India piled a mammoth score of 518 runs. In the second innings, Tendulkar was the only Indian batsman to score a ton as he slammed 124 runs from 308 balls. During his impressive knock, the Little Master also added 139 runs with Ganguly for the third wicket.

Result: Match drawn

20. 126* vs New Zealand in Mohali

October 10, 1999: New Zealand were touring India for a three-match Test series. In the first Test, India were bowled out for mere 83 runs as Dion Dash picked six wickets. In their second innings, Indian batsmen made sure to make up for their poor show in the first innings.

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid slammed centuries as India posted a mammoth total of 505 runs. The duo added 229 runs for the third wicket. While Dravid was dismissed by Vettori after scoring a magnificent 144, Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 126, which was his 20th Test century.

Result: Match drawn

21. 217 vs New Zealand in Ahmedabad

October 29, 1999: The second Test of the series was a special one for the Little Master as he slammed his maiden double ton in Test matches.

Batting first, India posted a huge total of 583 runs in the first innings, where Tendulkar and Ganguly were involved in a 281-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sachin was finally dismissed by Vettori but he had done the job for his side once again.

Result: Match drawn

22. 116 vs Australia in Melbourne

December 26, 1999: While touring Australia, India were playing the second Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia scored 405 runs in their first innings. India got off to a poor start as Ramesh, Laxman and Dravid departed in quick successions. Tendulkar, who loved playing against the Aussies, once again rose to the occasion and slammed 116 runs. The Australian attack boasted of the likes of McGrath, Lee and Shane Warne who were helpless against such a determined knock. Sachin went on to score 52 runs in the second innings as well and won the Man of the Match despite India losing the Test match.

Result: Australia won by 180 runs.

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

23. 122 vs Zimbabwe in Delhi

November 18, 2000: India were playing a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe on home turf. In the first Test, Zimbabwe batted first and scored 422 runs, courtesy an unbeaten 183-run knock from Andy Flower.

Tendulkar came to bat at number four and added 213 runs for the third wicket with Rahul Dravid, who went on to score his first double ton. The Little Master scored 122 runs from 233 balls that had 19 boundaries. He also scored 39 runs in the second innings.

Result: India won by 7 wickets

24. 201* vs Zimbabwe in Nagpur

November 25, 2000: In the second Test, India once again batted first and put a mammoth total on the board.

Shiv Sunder Das (110) and Rahul Dravid (162) slammed tons but Tendulkar once again stole the show with his second double Test ton. When Ganguly declared the innings on 609/6, Tendulkar was unbeaten on 201. The Master Blaster thus slammed his 50th international ton in style.

Result: Match drawn

25. 126 vs Australia in Chennai

March 18, 2001: Steve Waugh-led Australian team were touring India for a three-match series.

In the third match, Australia scored 391 runs batting first. Indian top order gave a fitting reply to the Aussies and Tendulkar went on to score another century. Shiv Sunder Das (84), Sadagopan Ramesh (61), VVS Laxman (65) and Rahul Dravid (81), everybody made significant contributions while Tendulkar before being dismissed by Gillespie, scored 126 runs. It was Sachin’s 169 run-partnership with Rahul Dravid that gave India a 110-run lead in the first innings. After winning the previous Test at Eden Gardens in emphatic style, India sealed the series 2-1 by winning this Test match.

Result: India won by 2 wickets

26. 155 vs South Africa in Bloemfontein

November 3, 2001: After the triangular series, India and Proteas played a three-match Test series.

In the first Test, India were batting first and were soon wobbling at 68/4. But from there on, Tendulkar and debutant Virender Sehwag scored runs freely and punished the South African bowlers with a 220-run stand for the fifth wicket. Tendulkar played some lovely strokes and scored 23 boundaries and a six.

Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets

27. 103 vs England in Ahmedabad

England had come to India for a three-match Test series.

December 11, 2001: In the second Test, India were all out for 291 runs, 103 of which came from Tendulkar’s willow. The Little Master was also involved in a 118-run stand with VVS Laxman for the fifth wicket. Sachin’s innings comprised of 12 boundaries and a six.

Result: Match drawn

28. 176 vs Zimbabwe in Nagpur

India were hosting a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe at home.

February 21, 2002: In the first match, after Zimbabwe were bowled out for 287 runs, Indian batsmen made the best use of the track and posted a score of 570 runs. Shiv Sunder Das (105) and Sanjay Bangar (100) scored centuries, but Tendulkar was the highest scorer for the team with a knock of 176 runs.

Result: India won by an innings and 101 runs

29. 117 vs West Indies in Port of Spain

India went to West Indies to play a five-match Test series.

April 19, 2002: Asked to bat first in the second Test, India lost two wickets for just 38 runs. But once again, Tendulkar and Dravid came to their rescue and added 124 runs for the third wicket. Sachin batted for almost six hours in his 260-ball knock before being dismissed by Cuffy. With this ton, Tendulkar equalled Don Bradman’s record of 29 Test centuries.

Result: India won by 37 runs

30. 193 vs England in Leeds

August 22, 2002: After the Natwest series, where India won the final as they chased 325 runs after a superb fight back from Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, India were playing a four-match Test series against England.

The third match of the series was a pleasant sight for the Indian cricket fans as the trio of Dravid, Tendulkar and Ganguly went on to score centuries. Dravid and Tendulkar added 150 runs for the third wicket which was followed by another huge partnership – 249 runs for the fourth wicket between Ganguly and Tendulkar. India scored a mammoth score of 628 runs which proved to be too much for England to handle.

Result: India won by an innings and 46 runs

31. 176 vs West Indies in Kolkata

October 30, 2002: India were hosting a three-match Test series against West Indies. India were leading 2-0 and the third Test was played at the Eden Gardens.

The Windies put a good show in the first innings and scored 497 in reply to India’s 358/10. Windies had a lead of 139 runs and to make things worse, India slumped to 87/4 in the second innings. Under such a precarious situation, India once again found solace in Sachin Tendulkar who slammed his first ton at the Eden Gardens and was involved in a 214-run stand for the fifth wicket with VVS Laxman, who scored a sparkling 154 runs. Both these batsmen managed to draw the game for their side.

Result: Match drawn

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

32. 241* vs Australia in Sydney

India were playing in Australia in what was Steve Waugh’s last Test.

January 2, 2004: Ganguly won the toss and chose to bat first. The top order made some useful contributions, after which Tendulkar and VVS Laxman stitched a massive 353-run partnership for the third wicket that boosted India’s total to a huge 705 runs.

It was Tendulkar’s highest first class score then and his innings comprised of 33 boundaries. He also reached 9,000 Test runs during this innings. It is rated as one of Tendulkar’s finest knocks.

Result: Match drawn

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

33. 194* vs Pakistan in Multan

March 28, 2004: In the first Test of the three-match series, Virender Sehwag was in a brutal mood as the right-hander slammed a triple ton to deflate Pakistan. Tendulkar who came to bat at number four, joined the run-fest and he too slammed a century. Surprisingly, when Tendulkar was batting unbeaten on 194, Dravid declared the innings – a move which was heavily criticised. India posted 675 runs in the first innings and went on to win the match.

Result: India won by an innings and 49 runs

34. 248* vs Bangladesh in Dhaka

India went to Bangladesh to play a Test series.

December 10, 2004: In the first Test, Bangladesh were bowled out for 184 in the first innings. India were in a commanding position as Tendulkar and Ganguly stitched a 164-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ganguly was bowled by Baisya, but Tendulkar kept going and slammed another ton and equalised Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 34 Test centuries. The Little Master hammered 35 boundaries during his magnificent knock. India reached a score of 526 and eventually won the match comprehensively.

Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs

35. 109 vs Sri Lanka in Delhi

December 10, 2005: India were playing a Test series against Sri Lanka on home soil. The second Test – Tendulkar’s 125th was memorable for the cricketing fraternity as the Little Master slammed his 35th ton and surpassed Gavaskar’s record of 34 Test centuries.

Batting first, India scored 290 runs in the first innings, Tendulkar alone scoring 109 of them. Sachin and Laxman were involved in a crucial partnership for the third wicket which got India to a respectable score. It was an important knock from Tendulkar as after recovering from his elbow injury, critics wrote a lot against him and the much-awaited ton took some time to come.

Result: India won by 188 runs

36. 101 vs Bangladesh in Chittagong

After a horrendous 2007 World Cup, India toured Bangladesh.

May 18, 2007: In the first Test, Dinest Karthik (56) and skipper Dravid (61) added 124 runs for the second wicket after Wasim Jaffer was dismissed off the first ball of the innings. Once both of these were dismissed in quick intervals, Ganguly and Sachin started to play cautiously and added 189 runs for the fourth wicket. While Ganguly was out for 100, Tendulkar too departed after scoring 101 off 169 balls.

Result: Match drawn

37. 122* vs Bangladesh in Mirpur

May 25, 2007: The second Test between the two teams was played at Mirpur, a venue where Indian top order displayed a terrific show of dominance as the first four batsman slammed centuries for India.

Jaffer and Karthik provided a solid platform as they shared 175 runs for the first wicket before the latter had to retire due to cramps. Jaffer went on to stitch another century stand – 106 runs with Dravid for the second wicket before being retired hurt. Indian innings witnessed third consecutive century partnership as Dravid and Tendulkar stitched 127 runs for the third wicket and India reached a massive score of 610 runs. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 122 runs and his patient innings comprised of 8 boundaries and a six. Zaheer Khan picked seven wickets in two innings as India registered their biggest Test victory.

Result: India won by an innings and 239 runs

38. 154* vs Australia in Sydney

January 2, 2008: India were touring Australia for a Test series in 2007-08. India lost the first Test at Melbourne but put a fight back in the second.

Australia batting first scored 463 runs in their first innings. In reply, VVS Laxman and Dravid got India into a strong position as they added 175 runs for the second wicket partnership. It was followed by another magnificent knock from Tendulkar – 154 runs which came off 243 balls and despite Ponting’s tactics to stop him from scoring runs, the Little Master slammed his third ton at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His innings comprised of 14 boundaries and a six and he was also involved in a record 129-run stand with Harbhajan Singh for the eighth wicket.

It was a match that would be remembered for extremely poor umpiring. It was the same match where Bhajji was handed over a three-match suspension by match referee Mike Proctor for his alleged racial abuse to Symonds.

Result: Australia won by 122 runs

39. 153 vs Australia in Adelaide

January 24, 2008: In the fourth Test match, Indian batsmen once again put a good show in the first innings. Tendulkar, who came to bat at number 4, added 106 runs with VVS Laxman for the fifth wicket. None of the top order batsmen scored a huge knock but Tendulkar’s innings was a delight to watch and his contest with the Aussie bowlers was a delight to watch. His innings comprised of 13 boundaries and three sixes.

India posted 526 runs in the first innings and managed to draw the Test match.

Result: Match drawn

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

40. 109 vs Australia in Nagpur

November 6, 2008: Australia had come to India for a four-match Test series. India were leading 1-0 after three matches and fourth was played at Nagpur.

Batting first, India scored 441 runs in the first innings, courtesy another stupendous knock from Tendulkar. The Little Master came to bat at number four and slammed his 10th century against Australia. Tendulkar and Laxman added 146 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. Tendulkar was finally dismissed by Johnson.

Result: India won by 172 runs

41. 103* vs England in Chennai

December 11, 2008: England were touring India for an ODI and Test match series. The hosts went back home between the ODI series after the Mumbai terror attack but had come back to play the Tests.

In the first Test, England put 316 runs in the first innings after Stauss slammed a ton and India were bowled out for 241. Strauss slammed a ton in the second innings as well and India needed 387 runs to win the match.

India openers – Gambhir and Sehwag got the team to a confident start as they added 117 runs for the first wicket. Tendulkar came to bat at number four and capitalized on the good work put in by the openers as he slammed 103 runs from 196 balls. He remained unbeaten and India emerged victorious comprehensively.

Result: India won by 6 wickets

42. 160 vs New Zealand in Hamilton

March 18, 2009: In the first Test match between the two sides, MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to bowl first.

The Kiwis were bundled out for just 279 runs in the first innings. India scored a mammoth 520 runs in their first innings as Tendulkar slammed his second century of the series. Tendulkar’s knock silenced the critics who thought his career was over. India took a 241-run lead in the first innings and won the match in emphatic style.

Result: India won by 10 wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

43. 100* vs Sri Lanka

November 16, 2009: Sri Lanka came to India to play a three-match Test series. In the first innings after India slumped to 32/4, formidable knocks from Dravid (177), Dhoni (110) and Yuvraj (68) bolstered India’s total to 426 runs. In reply, the Lankans gave a fitting reply by putting on 760 runs, courtesy Mahela Jayawardene’s double ton – 275 runs. Sri Lanka took a lead of 324 runs in the first innings.

In reply, India made the best use of flat pitch and openers – Sehwag and Gambhir smashed 81 runs for the first wicket. India were 275/4 at one stage from where Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman put on an unbeaten 137 runs for the fifth wicket to save the Test match. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 100 runs, and he hit 11 boundaries during his stay.

Result: Match drawn

44. 105* vs Bangladesh in Chittagong

January 17, 2010: India were touring Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. In the first Test, India were invited to bat first.

But wickets fell at regular intervals and apart from Sehwag (52) and Tendulkar (105), none of the other batsmen managed to score big. The Indian team was bundled out for 247 runs and Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 105. The Little Master hit 11 boundaries and two sixes in his innings. India bowlers brought them back in the game as Sehwag-led team went on to win the Test match.

Result: India won by 113 runs

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

45. 143 vs Bangladesh in Mirpur

January 24, 2010: In the second Test, Bangladesh were bowled out for 233 in their first innings. The top order fired for India as Sehwag (56) and Gambhir (68) both scored half-centuries. Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar then added 222 runs for the third wicket partnership. While Dravid retired hurt on 111, Tendulkar scored his second ton of the series, his 45th in Test matches. India reached a score of 544 in the first innings which was substantial enough for them to seal the match.

Result: India won by 10 wickets

46. 100 vs South Africa in Nagpur

February 6, 2010: Just after the Bangladesh tour, India came back home where they had to play a series with South Africa.

In the first Test, India were in total command when South Africa lost their first two wickets for just 6 runs on the board. But from there onwards, Hashim Amla (253) and Jacques Kallis (173) played two scintillating knocks and put on 340 runs for the third wicket, making a mockery of the Indian bowling attack. The visitors posted a mammoth 558 runs on the board and then bundled out India for just 233 runs in their first innings, taking a massive lead of 325 runs.

In the second innings, India kept losing wickets regularly, and Tendulkar was the only batsman who looked rock solid at the crease. The batting legend scored 100 runs before being dismissed by Paul Harris, and the Proteas went on to win the match.

Result: SA won by an innings and six runs

47. 106* vs South Africa in Kolkata

February 14, 2010: India gave a strong reply to South Africa in the second Test where they bundled out the Proteas for 296 runs in the first innings. India batsmen were in a different mood as four of them scored tons. Sehwag, in particular, was at his brutal best as he hammered 165 off just 174 balls and was involved in a 249-run stand for the third wicket with Tendulkar (106). Indian innings witnessed another massive partnership of 259 runs for the seventh wicket between VVS Laxman (143*) and skipper MS Dhoni (132*). It was Tendulkar’s 47th Test ton, and his innings comprised of 12 boundaries. India took a huge 347-run lead over the visitors which proved decisive at the end.

Result: India won by an innings and 57 runs

48. 203 vs Sri Lanka in Colombo

July 26, 2010: India toured Sri Lanka for a three-match Test series. In the second Test of the series, the Lankans scored 642 runs batting first as skipper Kumar Sangakkara slammed a double ton (219).

A strong reply came from the Indian batsmen who joined the run-feast. Sehwag missed his ton by one run, but he added 165 runs for the first wicket with Murali Vijay (58). Tendulkar came to bat at number four and entertained the crowd by hitting his fifth double ton in Test matches. India amassed a massive total of 707 runs. His innings comprised of 23 boundaries and a six.

Result: Match drawn

49. 214 vs Australia in Bangalore

October 9, 2010: India were playing a two-match Test series against Australia on home soil. They were 1-0 up in the series and the second Test was played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Aussies batted first and amassed 478 runs riding on Marcus North’s ton. The highlight of the Indian innings was a 309-run stand between Murali Vijay and Sachin Tendulkar. While Vijay completed his maiden Test ton, Tendulkar slammed his 49th in Test matches and 11th against the Aussies. He entertained the crowd with 22 boundaries and two sixes. Indian bowlers bundled out the visitors for just 223 runs in their second innings and needed 207 runs to win the match. Sachin scored 53 runs in the second innings as well and India won the series 2-0.

Result: India won by seven wickets

Man of the Match: Sachin Tendulkar

50. 111* vs South Africa in Centurion

December 16, 2010: India toured South Africa in December 2010. It was a series where Sachin Tendulkar played two gem of an innings.

In the first Test, India were bowled out for 136 in the first innings and the hosts posted a massive score of 620 runs to take a huge lead of 484 runs. In the second innings, Team India hit the field with a different mindset and openers – Sehwag and Gambhir added 137 runs for the first wicket. The other batsmen failed to impress but Tendulkar played a great knock for his side and stayed at the crease for more than five hours against the fiery pace of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Sachin found some company in MS Dhoni (90), as the duo added 172 runs for the seventh wicket partnership.

Tendulkar scored 13 boundaries and a six and was hailed for his determination to fight the battle alone for his side. It was also a special knock for the batting maestro as it was his 50th Test ton.

Result: SA won by an innings and 25 runs

51. 146 vs South Africa in Cape Town

January 2, 2011: India won the second Test of the series and the series was leveled at 1-1. The third Test was played at Centurion.

Dhoni won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. South Africa scored 362 runs in the first innings, courtesy a 161-run knock from Jacques Kallis. India looked in a critical state at 28/2, but opener Gambhir along with Tendulkar added 176 runs for the third wicket partnership.

India took a slender lead of just two runs in the innings but once again, Tendulkar stole the show and was given a standing ovation from the crowd the moment he reached his century.

Result: Match drawn