Sachin's Greatest Knocks : 98 vs Pakistan, 2003 World Cup

With Sachin Tendulkar finally decided to call it the day, it is time for us to honour him, by remembering the best he has given to his country.

And for starters, let us look at what he himself has said that it was the best ODI knock he has played- his 98 vs Pakistan.

Many may argue that it is not a century, and he has scored better centuries than that. But pressure he had to handle before the match, and the sublime strokeplay he displayed, makes it one of his best.

The 2003 world cup was most memorable for India’s spirited performance to reach the final, but it did not start like that, at all.

Being in the same group as Australia, there was high pressure on India to perform. Moreover, the presence of Pakistan just complicated the matters more.

India had a close shave in the opening game itself, as they edged past Netherlands in a close contest. But the ultimate low came against Australia, where they were dismissed for just 125.

Back in India, rampaging riots were held against India’s horrible performance. But as it gets tough, the tough gets going.

India won all the consequent group matches, and finally, were pitted to face Pakistan.

This match was highly anticipated, as an Indo-Pak was held after a long time. The tension across the country was emminent, and India’s hopes were on one man- Sachin Tendulkar.

He was possibly the best batsman of the tournament till then, and much was expected from him in this high-voltage clash at the Centurion.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Thanks to a well struck century by Saeed Anwar, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 273. Mind you, it was the pre-T20 era, and sub-280 totals were considered totally defendable.

But cometh the hour, and cometh the man. Sachin saved the best of him for the most anticipated match.

The opposition bowling consisting ferocious trio of Aktar, Akram and Younis? No problem! Sachin started the proceedings with a perfect back foot coverdrive off Akram, and fans could sense something special.

And then came in Aktar. Well known to terrorise batsmen with sheer pace, Aktar held the key against Sachin. Both had a history, and that day, the winner takes it all. And it was Sachin who emerged victorious. With two trademark leg glances, and the epic upper cut over the third man, the duel was over, and Sachin was the clear winner.

Sachin’s innings was nearly flawless. He hit everything off the middle of the bat. Though he was given a life after Razzaq dropped him off Waqar’s bowling, he was unstoppable ever since.

Just when it looked like a Sachin’s century will seal the deal, he got cramps. It was a horrible sight, seeing Sachin in pain. But he carried on. Pakistan realised that this is their only chance. They brought in Akthar, who finally had the last laugh as he removed Sachin off a well directed bouncer, on 98. His 98 came off just 75 delivaries, in an era when even a run-a-ball knock was considered a great deal.

India was precautiously placed, with about 100 runs still needed. But Yuvraj and Dravid came together, to stitch together a match winning partnership. Finally, India won with 6 wickets to spare, and 4 overs.

Rightfully, Sachin was declared the man of the match for that outstanding show of strokeplay. This win eventually proved to be a launchpad for India to progress to the finals.

This was just one of Sachin’s many memorable knocks. Stay tuned for reviving more un-forgettable knocks from him, and get lost in the feeling of Nostalgia.