When Sachin Tendulkar Took On A Sand Storm On His Birthday

Sachin Tendulkar’s Best Birthday Party 1998

It was his birthday i.e. it was the 24th of April 1998 and he made it a memorable one or I can say a historical one. Didn’t get who I am talking about? His name is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and yes we are talking about the epic final of the Coca-Cola Cup at Sharjah when people were still not over from the exalt of the qualifying match between India and Australia through India lost that match Sachin scored 143 and that too with such a blasting performance that it is celebrated as one of the most iconic innings ever played in One Day International cricket. Sachin’s innings helped India qualify for the final and it was once again against the mighty Australians.

Now let us move to the big day 24th April 1998. The Australian bowling attack included greats like Tom Moody, Shane Warne, and Michael Kasprowicz. Australia batted first and put on board a challenging target of 273 runs with the help of Steve Waugh and Darren Lehman’s innings both scoring 70 runs each. It was a difficult target and that too against the Australian bowling attack.

Indian openers came to bat for scoring 273, Sourav Ganguly, and birthday boy Sachin Tendulkar. Sourav Ganguly got out with a score of 23 runs. Everyone expected Sachin to perform and win the match for India and how could God disappoint all his fans on his birthday? Their wish came true and Sachin started thrashing the Australian bowlers all around the park in an unprecedented manner. The Kangaroos were left pale and dry.

The Sand Storm On Master Blaster’s Birthday

That final then witnessed a sand storm which halted the game for a few minutes it was like the sand dunes of Sharjah got blown away by his batting. And the Australian attack was shattered to pieces especially Shane Warne and Tom Moody both got hit for fours and sixes. Every cricket lover remembers that match by heart and soul, watching him bat like that was pure pleasure. The birthday boy made the cricket ball dance around the ground and over the boundary ropes. He scored 134 with 12 fours and 3 sixes and helped India win the final with 9 balls remaining.

The way he batted in that match is unmatched to date and yes it was his day, it was his birthday…