In 2003, on the first day of the Match, a World Cup was being played at Centurion, South Africa between India and Pakistan. From the cricket field to the television set at home or the commentary of the radio, there was no such instrument on which people were not watching and listening to the match and most of the people were willing to watch Sachin Tendulkar. Pakistan had one of the best bowling attacks adorned with the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis.
However, for India, Sachin Tendulkar was well supported by his opening partner, Virender Sehwag, who gave India the best of the stars during the chase. They were well supported by the likes of Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, to penetrate Pakistan’s bowling attack. Of course, 18 years have passed since playing this match, but the memory of the fans will not be blurred even today. There are a lot of memories from that match, but the one who made the most headlines was Sachin’s six off Shoaib Akhtar over the third man.
On this day @sachin_rt derailed Rawalpindi Express and rest of Pak bowling attack!! None of us can forget this upper cut to the ball bowled at over 150.9KPH. 98 runs of 75 balls By Sachin against mighty Pak bowling attack ensured easy win for India ❤💥🥳 pic.twitter.com/xuGnGUIpVQ
— Sachinist.com (@Sachinist) March 1, 2021
Shoaib received the title of the world’s most dangerous fast bowler in his time and when he used to throw fireballs with a long runup, then even the biggest batsman of the world used to rise up, but Sachin has always dominated Shoaib and he did the same in Centurion.
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In this match, India was chasing a tricky target of 274 runs in Centurion. The first over was bowled by Wasim Akram and the second came to Shoaib. The master blaster was facing Shoaib, but he gave the strike to Sehwag on the second ball. On the third ball, Sehwag brought back Sachin Tendulkar on strike.
Upper-cuts. Square-cuts. Cover drives. Straight drives. Flicks 😍#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians @sachin_rtpic.twitter.com/ZbB0eM0PJn
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 1, 2021
After this, when Shoaib came to do the fourth ball, Sachin, who had already made up his mind, sent the ball into the audience in the direction of the third man. That shot of Sachin was so amazing that even today it is discussed.
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In this match, Sachin played an excellent knock of 98 runs. Although he could not complete his century but helped India to defeat Pakistan. Thanks to Sachin’s innings, Team India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in this match. Apart from Sachin, Sehwag scored 21 runs for India. Mohammad Kaif was unbeaten on 35, Rahul Dravid 44 and Yuvraj Singh scored 50 runs.
