Ravi Shastri, renowned for his iconic commentary moments, added another gem to his collection during a historic day in international cricket. The occasion was when Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in the record books by becoming the first male batter to achieve a double century in ODIs, mirroring the feat accomplished by Australia’s Belinda Clark in women’s cricket.
The pivotal moment occurred in an ODI against South Africa led by Jacques Kallis at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior. As India approached the 400-run mark, Tendulkar, with a deft shot off Charl Langeveldt, secured a single, raising his hands in jubilation.
Ravi Shastri, exuberant in the commentary box, hailed the achievement, proclaiming, “First man on the planet to reach 200. And it’s the superman from India, Sachin Tendulkar. Take a bow, Master.” Even after 14 years, Sachin’s monumental innings continue to bring joy to ardent Indian cricket fans.
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In that memorable match, India, batting first, initially faced adversity when Virender Sehwag fell early to Wayne Parnell. However, a resilient partnership between Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik, amassing 194 runs for the second wicket, stabilized the innings.
🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2010
The legendary @sachin_rt created history by becoming the first batter to score an ODI Double Hundred in Mens Cricket 👏👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/NCcnQkhkcj
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2024
Tendulkar exhibited an attacking brand of cricket, reaching his fifty in just 37 balls and completing his century in 90 balls. The legendary batsman’s momentum only intensified, culminating in his double century achieved in 147 balls. Propelled by his stellar performance, India posted a formidable total of 401 for 3 in 50 overs. Tendulkar rightfully earned the Player of the Match award, and India secured a commanding victory by 153 runs.
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Reflecting on this historic day, Tendulkar’s double century stands as a testament to his cricketing prowess, joining a select group of ODI double centurions, including Rohit Sharma, Martin Guptill, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, Fakhar Zaman, Pathum Nissanka, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Amelia Kerr.