Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI tons against South Africa : 5. 111 vs South Africa in Nagpur

Five ODI centuries against South Africa

After Australia, the Proteas were a side Tendulkar loved playing against. The South Africans always boasted of a pretty formidable bowling line-up, a pace attack that could intimidate the best of batsmen which brought the best out of Tendulkar. Here is a list of all the five centuries Tendulkar scored against South Africa.

1. 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

2. 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 Team 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

3. 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 by 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.

4. 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

5. 111 vs South Africa in Nagpur

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

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 the match as South African lower order produced a praiseworthy fight back.

Result: South Africa won by 3 wickets