Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: As international cricket returns to Gwalior, this is a good time to see what had happened when the last time the city hosted an international cricket match.
History was made on February 24, 2010, at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium, when the legendary Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs – a breathtaking, unbeaten 200 off 147 balls.
The knock came against South Africa that had Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Jacques Kallis, Roelof van der Merwe, Charl Langeveldt and Jean-Paul Duminy in their bowling attack.
Tendulkar smashed 25 fours and 3 sixes as India posted 401/3 in their 50 overs.
Tendulkar reached his 50 off 37 balls, 100 off 90 balls and 150 off 118 balls.
South Africa were bowled out for 248 in response, giving India a commanding 153-run victory.
After the match, Tendulkar said, “I don’t know how to react to this. I would like to dedicate this to the people of India who have always stood behind me for these 20 years amid the ups and downs. I was striking the ball and timing the ball well, it was coming on to the bat nicely. Yusuf (Pathan) came and changed the momentum and MS (Dhoni) really struck the ball well; it was due to their big hitting that we were able to put up such a big score. It was only when I got closer to the score that I realised that I had an opportunity and I could take the singles to give MS the strike.”
“I’m enjoying my cricket. I’ve always played the way I felt was the right way to play, always done what I felt was good for the team. There have been times when I’ve made some bad decisions as a batsman, but as long as in my heart I know that whatever I’m doing for the team at that moment, I’m going to go ahead with that. It feels good that I lasted for 50 overs, a good test of my fitness. I’d like to bat another 50 overs at some stage and see that the fitness level doesn’t drop,” Tendulkar added.
The Gwalior Division Cricket Association gifted Sachin with a silver bat, a pavilion was named in his honour on and he was also paid Rs. ten lakh for his performance.
Tendulkar’s double century was the first in the history of men’s ODI cricket, setting a new benchmark in the game.
At the time of the innings, Tendulkar was 36 years old, and his remarkable fitness and form showcased his longevity in international cricket.
Tendulkar’s unbeaten 200 inspired future generations of cricketers, with more double centuries being scored in the years to follow.
This innings remains one of the greatest moments in cricket history and added to Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary legacy in world cricket.
