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
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
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
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
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