On this day, September 9, back in 1994, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious career by scoring his maiden ODI century. Despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers ever, it took Sachin five years to notch his first century in One-Day Internationals. This long-awaited moment came during his 79th ODI, in a match against Australia in Colombo.
The then-19-year-old phenom crafted a composed and resilient innings of 110 runs off 130 deliveries, breaking the century barrier that had eluded him in limited-overs cricket. Before this breakthrough, Sachin had already established himself as a prodigious talent in Test cricket.
At just 17 years and 112 days old, he became the third-youngest player to score a Test century, achieving this milestone in his eighth match. However, the transition to white-ball cricket proved to be a longer journey for the “Little Master.” Despite scoring 17 half-centuries in ODIs, that elusive three-figure score remained just out of reach until that September day in 1994.
Tendulkar’s Maiden ODI Century
Today in 1994, After Scored 17 50s, Sachin Tendulkar Made his First ODI Century 110 Vs Australia at Colombo.
Out of 49 SRT 100s
IND WON: 33, Tie:1, NR:1, Lost:14Say Your @sachin_rt‘s Favourite ODI 100?. #SachinTendulkarpic.twitter.com/lRUYMDXgwj
— CrickeTendulkar 🇮🇳 (@CrickeTendulkar) September 9, 2021
The match in question was the third fixture of the 1994 Singer World Series, with India facing off against a formidable Australian side at the R Premadasa Stadium. After winning the toss, India elected to bat first. Tendulkar, opening the innings alongside Manoj Prabhakar, laid a solid foundation for India. The duo forged an 87-run partnership before Shane Warne dismissed Prabhakar for 20 runs.
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Sachin Tendulkar continued to anchor the innings, with Navjot Sidhu chipping in 24 runs and captain Mohammad Azharuddin adding 31 runs off 30 balls. Tendulkar reached his century after facing 119 balls, showcasing his trademark elegance and control. His innings featured eight boundaries and two towering sixes.
By the time he was dismissed by Australia’s Craig McDermott, Sachin had ensured that India had a competitive total on the board. Vinod Kambli added a late flourish with an unbeaten 43, helping India reach 246 runs. Australia’s chase started on shaky ground, with both openers, Michael Slater and Mark Taylor, departing early. India’s bowlers, particularly Manoj Prabhakar and Rajesh Chauhan, kept the pressure on the Aussies.
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Prabhakar emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three crucial wickets, while Chauhan chipped in with two. Australia eventually crumbled, being bowled out for 215, handing India a 31-run victory. For his match-winning century, Sachin Tendulkar was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match. This century marked the beginning of what would be a legendary journey in ODI cricket, as Sachin went on to become the first player to score 100 international centuries.
