Sachin the ton machine

“I’ve been privileged to witness one of cricket’s great moments… Frankly, I cannot think of how best to describe Sachin’s innings…It was awesome…His hunger for runs is quite unbelievable,” Darryl Cullinan, one of the finest South African cricketers said while paying tribute to the Little Master, when the Later scored the first double ton in the limited over format of Cricket. 

Sachin's first 200

Yes, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, has scored the first ever Double Hundred in One Day International Cricket.  On the 24^th February, 2010, Wednesday, Sachin showed his appetite for hundred and rewrote history.  Gwalior is generally known for her impregnable forts, citadels and fighting royalty.   But history was slated to be written on an oval chunk of her heart.  The greenery and galleries of the Captain Roop Singh Stadium witnessed a great battle of willow and ball.  Bowlers of opposite South African team were helpless and clueless, as Sachin hammered them freely, as if balls were his servile servants.  He dictated the innings in his own fashion and created a Manhattan of eye-catching beauty.  Sachin Tendulkar eclipsed the earlier best of 194 jointly shared by Sayeed Anwar of Pakistan and Charles Coventry of Zimbabwe.

The ease of flow that Sachin showed while batting was full of youthfulness and ebullience. His running between the wicket with younger players like Kartik, Yusuf and Dhoni was unbelievable.  At 37, this much agility is really praiseworthy.  Modern Cricket demands 100 per cent fitness as more and more cricket matches are being played presently.  The demand of commitment is high and not easy to maintain.  But Sachin, despite age has come to rule both format of cricket for more than 20 years.  Right from 1989, he stands rock solid without looking back. 

Perhaps, it was reserved for this cricket Legend to achieve the jealous feat.  Stadium rose to instant frenzy when Sachin played football with the cricket ball.  There was no trace of lassitude in his face and body language though he batted for the entire innings carrying the bat. 

In his 442 match, he smashed as many as 25 boundaries and 3 sixes.  He took only 147 balls to reach the milestone.  He also made another record of hitting the highest number of ‘Four’ in an ODI innings that is 25. 

He came, he saw and he conquered, yes this adage fits well to this master batsman.  It was his 46^th One day Ton as he has got 46 tons to his credit in the longer version of the game.  And the appetite is still on.  Here is a complete list of his One day Tons.

My earlier Post on this legend.  http://thatlovedflower.blogspot.com/2008/10/sachin-tendulakr-living-cricketing.html

In two months time he will be celebrating his 37^th Birthday.  Wish him good luck and energy so that India can win the 2011 World Cup.  Amen!

Thanks