Sachin Tendulkar Centuries (The Definitive Guide): Everything You Need To Know About Sachin Tendulkar’s Hundred 100s

by Nitesh Mathur | Apr 23, 2023 | Complete History and Guide, India

On Sachin Tendulkar’s 50th birthday, here are all of Sachin Tendulkar centuries in one place. Everything you ever wanted to known about Tendulkar’s 100 hundreds.

Let’s begin—Sachin Tendulkar’s Centuries (The Definitive Guide).

Also Read: What Sachin Tendulkar God of Cricket Taught Me

Sachin Tendulkar Centuries – Key Takeaways

Sachin Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries & 49 ODI centuries in his career.
Tendulkar scored 10 centuries in Sri Lanka, 9 in South Africa, and 7 each in Australia, England, and Bangladesh. In all, he scored 29 Test centuries overseas and 22 at home in India. Interestingly, Tendulkar also scored 29 ODI centuries overseas (12 away, 17 neutral) and 20 at home.
Sachin’s favorite opponent, by far, was Australia. He scored 20 centuries (and 31 fifties) against Australia, 17 vs Sri Lanka, 12 vs South Africa, 9 vs England & New Zealand, 8 vs Zimbabwe, and 7 each against West Indies and Bangladesh.
1998 was Tendulkar’s best year in terms of centuries (12 hundreds, 8 fifties), followed by 8 hundreds (11 fifties) in 1996, and 8 tons (7 fifties) in 1999. Although Tendulkar only scored 3 hundreds in 2007, he was in good form and scored 19 fifties (several 90s that year as well).
Tendulkar never scored a century in Ireland (best of 99), Canada (best of 89*), and Kenya (best of 69).
Sachin Tendulkar had nervous nineties scores 28 times! (10 – Tests, 28 – ODIs). In 27 of those occasions, he was dismissed and was only unbeaten once when he scored 96*.

Tendulkar Hundreds – Major Career Timeline

#1 vs England (1990) – 1st Test Century
#5 vs England (1993) – 1st Century on Home Soil
#8 vs Australia (1994) – 1st ODI Century
#25 vs Sri Lanka (1997)
#30, #31 vs Australia (1998) – The Sharjah Centuries
#44 vs New Zealand (1999) – First Test double century
#50 vs Zimbabwe (2001)
#71 vs Bangladesh (2004) – Highest Test score of 248*
#73 – 35th Test Century – Broke Sunil Gavaskar’s longstanding record of 34 Test hundreds
#75 vs West Indies (2006)
#93 – 200* vs South Africa – Tendulkar breaks the ODI Double Century Barrier
#97 vs South Africa (2011) – Last Test Century
#100 vs Bangladesh (2012) – Last ODI Century

Sachin Tendulkar Centuries – Fun Facts

53% of Tendulkar’s centuries resulted in victories (33 ODI wins, 20 Test wins), 25% of his hundreds resulted in losses (14 ODI losses, 11 Test losses), and the rest 22% resulted in some form of a draw (20 Test draws, 1 Tied ODI, 1 No Result ODI).
When he scored a century, Sachin won 45 Player of the Match awards – 12 in Test cricket (5 Won, 5 Drawn, 2 Lost) and 33 in ODI cricket (30 Won, 3 Lost).
Sachin Tendulkar scored 22 hundreds in tri-series tournaments, 7 centuries in multi-nation ICC tournaments (6 World Cup hundreds & 1 in 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy/ Wills International Cup), and 4 centuries in quadrangular tournaments. Hence, he scored 33/49 centuries in tournament play and 16 in bilateral series.
By batting positions, Tendulkar’s hundreds are categorized as follows: In Tests (2 tons at #6, 5 at #5, and 44 at #4) and in ODIs (2 tons at #1, 4 at #4, and 46 at #2).
In ODIs, he scored 32 hundreds in the first innings and 17 tons while chasing. In Tests, the distribution was 20 (1st innings), 18 (2nd), 10 (3rd), and 3 (4th).

Sachin Tendulkar – Batting Stats

Here is Sachin Tendulkar’s record in a nutshell.

Note: T20I stats are omitted since he only played one T20I and scored 10 runs.

	Matches/Innings	Runs	100s	50s	Average/Strike Rate	Best Score
Tests	200/329	15921	51	68	53.78	248*
ODIs	463/452	18426	49	96	44.83/86.23	200*

List of International Centuries by Sachin Tendulkar

Here is the detailed list of each of Sachin Tendulkar’s centuries in chronological order. Scorecards, photographs, and most highlight reels are attached beneath each innings. Be sure to check them out!

Special thanks to the photographers for the iconic pictures, Rob Moody (robelinda2), and other content creators on YouTube that help us relive Sachin Tendulkar’s hundreds for years and years to come.

1. 119* vs England, 1990, Old Trafford (Test)

Format: Test (1st Test Century)
Opposition: England
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Result: Match Drawn, Player of the Match (POTM) – 68 & 119*
Batting Position: #6 (4th Innings)

Context: On Day 5, India had to chase down 408 runs and were struggling at 109/4 when Sachin, Kapil Dev, and Manoj Prabhakar batted through the day and drew the game. Tendulkar won the player of the match award for 68 & 119*.

Scorecard: 119 (189) | 9 Aug 1990 | England vs India Scorecard 1990

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 119 vs England 2nd Test 1990

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2. 148* vs Australia, 1992, Sydney (Test)

Format: Test (#2)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #6 (2nd Innings)

Context: This match is known for Ravi Shastri’s 206 as an opener. On the other end, was the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar. He came in at 201/4 and remained unbeaten as India scored 483.

Scorecard: 148* (213) | 2 Jan 1992 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1991/92

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 148* vs Australia 1992 SCG

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3. 114 vs Australia, 1992, Perth (Test)

Format: Test (#3)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) Ground, Perth, Australia
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: India lost the match by 300 runs and the series 4-0. There was one bright light though – Sachin Tendulkar was promoted at #4 in the first innings and took India to a respectable 272. Due to the tough Perth pitch, this is considered one of Tendulkar’s best knocks. The next highest score was Kiran More’s 43 at #10.

Scorecard: 114 (161) | 1 Feb 1992 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1991/92

Video Highlights: 🤯 Sachin vs BOUNCIEST PITCH EVER- gets revenge on Aussies- the epic 114 in PERTH 1992. BEST INNINGS?

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4. 111 vs South Africa, 1992, Johannesburg (Test)

Format: Test (#4)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd innings)

Context: Against a pace attack of Allan Donald, Brian McMillan, and Craig Matthews, Sachin Tendulkar scored a six-hour long 111 (270) when the next best score was just 25.

Scorecard: 111 (270) | 26 Nov 1992 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 1992/93

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar stunning 111 vs South Africa 1992 Johannesburg

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5. 165 vs England, 1993, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#5)
Opposition: England
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 165
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: As India posted their highest total at that time (560/6 dec) against England in India, Sachin scored his first century at home. With Sidhu, also scoring a century at the other end, they amassed a 147-run partnership. Sachin Tendulkar’s first player of the match award at home.

Scorecard: 165 (296) | 11 Feb 1993 | India vs England Scorecard 1992/93

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 165 vs England – 1st ton in India, 2nd test 1992

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6. 104* vs Sri Lanka, 1993, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#6)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (3rd innings)

Context: Another partnership with Sidhu as both batters scored 104 runs, and India declared the innings at 359/4.

Scorecard: 104* (161) | 27 Jul 1993 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1993

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 104 vs Srilanka 2nd Test at Colombo SSC Jul 27 Aug 1, 1993

7. 142 vs Sri Lanka, 1994, Lucknow (Test)

Format: Test (#7)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: KD Singh Babu Stadium, Lucknow, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Yet another Sidhu-Tendulkar partnership resulted in India posting a massive 511 run total. Sidhu scored 124 with 8 sixes & 9 fours, while Tendulkar scored 142 with 22 fours.

Scorecard: 142 (224) | 18 Jan 1994 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1993/94

8. 110 vs Australia, 1994, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (1st ODI Century)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won, (POTM) – 110
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer World Series 1994 (SL, Ind, Aus, Pak)

Context: Opening the batting, Sachin scored his first ODI ton as an opener and won his first ODI player of the match trophy. With some support from Azharuddin & Vinod Kambli, Tendulkar’s 110 made sure India reached a competitive 246 and won the match.

Scorecard: 110 (130) | 9 Sep 1994 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1994

Video Highlights: India vs Australia 1994 Highlights | SACHIN 110 Destroyed AUSTRALIA

9. 115 vs New Zealand, 1994, Vadodara (ODI)

Format: ODI (#2)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Sports Complex Ground, Baroda, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 115
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Wills World Series (Tri Series: India, West Indies, New Zealand)

Context: India successfully chased 270 (lots of runs in those days) on the back of Sachin Tendulkar’s 115 (136) with 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Scorecard: 115 (136) | 28 Oct 1994 | New Zealand vs India Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 2nd odi 💯 115 vs NZ (1994)

10. 105 vs West Indies, 1994, Jaipur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#3)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: A 95-run partnership with Ajay Jadeja & 117-run partnership with Vinod Kambli took India to a match winning total of 259/5.

Scorecard: 105 (134) | 11 Nov 1994 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 3rd Odi 💯 105 vs WI

11. 179 vs West Indies, 1994, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#8)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur, India
Result: Match Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: The Sidhu-Sachin partnership struck once again. From 49-2, these two took India to 226. By the time Tendulkar was done, India had put up 444. India would end up making 546/9 declared.

Scorecard: 179 (322) | 1 Dec 1994 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 179 vs West Indies at Nagpur 1994 I Forgotten Century

12. 112* vs Sri Lanka, 1995, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#4)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 112*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Asia Cup 1995 (Ind, SL, Pak, Ban)

Context: In the chase of 203, Tendulkar killed the chase with an unbeaten century. Manoj Prabhakar and Tendulkar put up a 161-run opening stand.

Scorecard: 112* (107) | 9 Apr 1995 | Sri Lanka vs India Scorecard 1994/95

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 4th 112 vs Srilanka Sharjah 1995

13. 127* vs Kenya, 1996, Cuttack (ODI)

Format: ODI (#5)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 127*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: 1996 Wills ODI World Cup

Context: Chasing 200 in the opening World Cup match against Kenya, Tendulkar & Jadeja ensured there were no hiccups with a 163-run opening stand.

Scorecard: 127* (138) | 18 Feb 1996 | Kenya vs India Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: India vs Kenya 1996 World Cup Highlights | Sachin Tendulkar 127*

14. 137 vs Sri Lanka, 1996, Delhi (ODI)

Format: ODI (#6)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 1996 Wills ODI World Cup

Context: Sachin scored a mammoth 137, but his innings was cut short with a run out. India scored 271, but Sanath Jayasuriya’s new style of play took Sri Lanka home.

Scorecard: 137 (137) | 2 Mar 1996 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 137 vs Sri Lanka 1996 WORLD CUP

15. 100 vs Pakistan, 1996, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#7)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: The Padang, Singapore
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer Cup 1995/96 (Tri Series: Pak, SL, Ind)

Context: Tendulkar was India’s only major contributor as India were bundled for 226. Aamer Sohail & Saeed Anwar completed the rain-affected target of 190 runs in just 28 overs. This was his first ton against Pakistan.

Scorecard: 100 (111) | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar First Hundred vs Pakistan 1996

16. 118 vs Pakistan, 1996, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#8)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 118 & 2/40
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Sharjah Cup (Tri Series: SA, Ind, Pak)

Context: Another 231-run partnership with Navjot Singh Sidhu to take India to a score of 305/5. Pakistan made a run for the chase but were all out for 277. Tendulkar had a role to play with the ball as well figures of 7.1-0-40-2.

Scorecard: 118 (140) | 15 Apr 1996 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 1995/96

Video Highlights: SACHIN’S 118 VS PAK AT SHARJAH 1996

17. 122 vs England, 1996, Birmingham (Test)

Format: Test (#9)
Opposition: England
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: Trailing 99-runs already in the first innings, India were 36/4 when captain Azharuddin departed. Tendulkar replied with a masterclass of 122 when the next best was Sanjay Manjrekar’s 18. India would go on to lose the Test, but the legend and class of Sachin Tendulkar continued to grow.

Scorecard: 122 (177) | 6 Jun 1996 | India vs England Scorecard 1996

Video Highlights: Vintage Sachin Tendulkar 122 || IND vs ENG 1996 1st Test | Birmingham

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18. 177 vs England, 1996, Nottingham (Test)

Format: Test (#10)
Opposition: England
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar scored 177 & 74 in this Test, but this series was known for the find of Sourav Ganguly (and Rahul Dravid). The Tendulkar-Ganguly duo put together a 255-run partnership for the third wicket as India made 521. Ganguly earned the player of the match and series trophies, and India’s next generation was now in motion.

Scorecard: 177 (360) | 4 Jul 1996 | India vs England Scorecard 1996

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 18th century 177 Trentbridge v ENG 1996

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19. 110 vs Sri Lanka, 1996, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#9)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer World Series (SL, Aus, Ind, Zim)

Context: Captaining India for the first time, Tendulkar’s hundred took India to 226. However, it was the arch-nemesis, Sanath Jayasuriya, whose century overshadowed Tendulkar once again.

Scorecard: 110 (138) | 28 Aug 1996 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1996

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s first innings as captain, 110 vs Sri Lanka 1996

20. 114 vs South Africa, 1996, Mumbai (ODI)

Format: ODI (#10)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 114
Batting Position: #1 (1st Innings)

Context: This was Tendulkar’s first century when he took first strike in the opening partnership. India posted 267 and demolished the Proteas. End of a succesful hundred-filled year for Tendulkar.

Scorecard: 114 (126) | 14 Dec 1996 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 1996/97

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 20th century 114 vs SouthAfrica at Mumbai 1996

21. 169 vs South Africa, 1997, Cape Town (Test)

Format: Test (#11)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #5 (2nd Innings)

Context: India were struggling at 58/5, when Tendulkar & Azharuddin stitched together a 222-run partnership. India would go on to lose the Test with Brian McMillan’s all-round show.

Scorecard: 169 (254) | 2 Jan 1997 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 1996/97

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 169 Capetown v RSA 1997

22. 104 vs Zimbabwe, 1997, Benoni (ODI)

Format: ODI (#11)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni, Zimbabwe
Result: Won, (POTM) – 104
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Chasing 241, Tendulkar’s century provided India a quick start. Robin Singh & Ajay Jadeja ensured India won with 10 overs to spare.

Scorecard: 104 (97) | 9 Feb 1997 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1996/97

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 104 Benoni v ZIM 1997

23. 117 vs New Zealand, 1997, Bengaluru (ODI)

Format: ODI (#12)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 117
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Independence Cup 1997 (Pak, SL, Ind, NZ)

Context: The beginnings of the prolific Ganguly-Tendulkar opening partnership in ODIs. They broke the back of the 221-run chase with a 169-run partnership. When Tendulkar got out, India only need 5 runs to win.

Scorecard: 117 (137) | 14 May 1997 | New Zealand vs India Scorecard 1997

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 117 vs New Zealand 1997 Independence Cup

24. 143 vs Sri Lanka, 1997, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#12)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Will forever be remembered as the infamous 952/6 game after India declared their innings for 537/8. Tendulkar’s 143 was the third highest score of the game after Jayasuriya’s 340 & Roshan Mahanama’s 225.

Scorecard: 143 (247) | 2 Aug 1997 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1997

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 143 | Azharuddin 126 (Partnership of 221) vs Srilanka 1st test Colombo 1997

25. 139 vs Sri Lanka, 1997, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#13)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: With Dravid’s departure, India were struggling for 9/2. Centuries for Tendulkar & Ganguly took India to 375.

Scorecard: 139 (266) | 9 Aug 1997 | Sri Lanka vs India Scorecard 1997

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 139 vs Srilanka 2nd Test Colombo 1997

26. 148 vs Sri Lanka, 1997, Mumbai (Test)

Format: Test (#14)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #5 (1st Innings)

Context: The trio of Indian cricket came to the party in another high run-fest draw against Sri Lanka – Dravid (93), Ganguly (173), and Tendulkar (148).

Scorecard: 148 (244) | 3 Dec 1997 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 148 vs Srilanka 3rd Test Mumbai 1997

27. 155* vs Australia, 1998, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#15)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 155*
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: Australia had gained a first innings lead, but with Tendulkar’s hundred and fifties from Sidhu, Dravid, and Azhar, India were able to come back in the match.

Scorecard: 155* (191) | 6 Mar 1998 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: India’s greatest batsman & matchwinner – Sachin Tendulkar stunning 155* vs Australia 1998

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28. 177 vs Australia, 1998, Bengaluru (Test)

Format: Test (#16)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar’s 177 took India to a first innings total of 424, but hundreds from the Marks (Waugh & Taylor) as well Kasprowicz’s bowling show gave Australia a rare victory on Indian soil.

Scorecard: 177 (207) | 25 Mar 1998 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: *GENIUS* SACHIN TENDULKAR 177 vs AUSTRALIA 3rd test 1998

29. 100 vs Australia, 1998, Kanpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#13)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Green Park, Kanpur, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Pepsi Triangular Series (Ind, Aus, Zim)

Context: A 175-run opening partnership between Ganguly and Tendulkar meant India chased 223 in style. The year of Tendulkar against the mighty Aussiese.

Scorecard: 100 (89) | 7 Apr 1998 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 13th Test Century vs Australia, Kanpur 1998

30. 143 vs Australia, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#14)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 143 & 1/27
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coco-Cola Cup 1997/98 (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: In the chase of 276 in 46 overs, Tendulkar single-handedly dragged India close. When he got out, he had scored 143 out of India’s 242 runs. With 21 balls remaining, India could only add 8 more runs. Established Tendulkar as a living legend.

Scorecard: 143 (131) | 22 Apr 1998 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: 143 Sachin’s desert storm masterclass, epic innings vs Australia 1998 Sharjah, *SHARJAH SACHIN GOLD!* Sachin Tendulkar BALL BY BALL 143 vs Australia 1998

31. 134 vs Australia, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#15)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 134
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Final, Coca-Cola Cup 1997/98 (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: Two days later, same venue, same opposition, almost similar situation. Different result. Chasing 273 in 50 overs, Tendulkar bludgeoned 134 runs but departed with 30 runs still to go. This time, though, with help from Azharuddin, Jadeja, and Kanitkar, India won the Final. These two contests in Sharjah marked the beginning of the Warne-Tendulkar rivalry.

Scorecard: 134 (131) | 24 Apr 1998 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1997/98

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar murderous 134 vs Australia 1998 Sharjah

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32. 100* vs Kenya, 1998, Kolkata (ODI)

Format: ODI (#16)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Triangular Series 1998 (Ind, Ken, Ban)

Context: Chasing 197, Tendulkar sped India to victory with 15 overs still remaining.

Scorecard: 100* (103) | 31 May 1998 | Kenya vs India Scorecard 1998

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 100* vs Kenya 1998 full HD highlights

33. 128 vs Sri Lanka, 1998, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#17)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won, (POTM) – 128
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy (Tri Series: SL, Ind, NZ)

Context: Putting together a 252-run opening partnership with Ganguly, Tendulkar led India to a competitive 307 in the final of the tri-series. Sri Lanka came close, courtesy a century by Aravinda de Silva, but lost by 6 runs.

Scorecard: 128 (131) | 7 Jul 1998 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1998

Video Highlights: India vs Sri Lanka 1998 Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy Final Highlights | High Pressure Thrilling Match

34. 127* vs Zimbabwe, 1998, Bulawayo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#18)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Result: Won, (POTM) – 127*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Chasing 214, Tendulkar’s unbeaten century helped India win comfortably while stitching a 190-run partnership with Dravid.

Scorecard: 127* (130) | 26 Sep 1998 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 18th Odi 💯 127* vs Zim

35. 141 vs Australia, 1998, Dhaka (ODI)

Format: ODI (#19)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Result: Won, (POTM) – 141 & 4/38
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Wills International Cup 1998/99 (WI, SA, Ind, SL, Pak, Aus, Eng, Zim, NZ)

Context: Tendulkar’s glorious year against Australia continued with a blistering century as well as a bowling performance. Opened the innings and continued the carnage till the 46th over, when the score was already 280.

Scorecard: 141 (128) | 28 Oct 1998 | India vs Australia Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar GENUIS 141 vs Australia 1998 Dhaka

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36. 118* vs Zimbabwe, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#20)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 118*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Champions Trophy 1998/99 (Tri Series: Ind, Zim, SL)

Context: Another dominating chase by Sachin. He scored 118 out of 197 runs and finished the chase in 40.4 overs. His strike rate was 105.35 when the next best for India was Ganguly at 57.14.

Scorecard: 118* (112) | 8 Nov 1998 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin’s 20th ODI century || 118 vs Zimbabwe || Sharjah 1998

37. 124* vs Zimbabwe, 1998, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#21)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Won, (POTM) – 124* & 1/16
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Champions Trophy 1998/99 Final (Tri Series: Ind, Zim, SL)

Context: Almost similar to his previous century. Chasing 197 against Zimbabwe, this time Tendulkar helped India score the runs in 30 overs. India won by 10 wickets – Tendulkar 124* (92) at 134.18 & Ganguly 63* (90) at 70.00 strike rate.

Scorecard: 124* (92) | 13 Nov 1998 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: India vs Zimbabwe – Sachin Tendulkar 124 vs Zimbabwe

Embed from Getty Images

38. 113 vs New Zealand, 1998, Wellington (Test)

Format: Test (#17)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #5 (3rd Innings)

Context: Trailing New Zealand by 144 runs, Tendulkar’s century and contributions from almost every batter took India to a competitive 356 runs. The Craigs – McMillan and Cairns ensured that New Zealand get to the target of 214 without any hiccups.

Scorecard: 113 (151) | 26 Dec 1998 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 113 Wellington v NZ 1998

39. 136 vs Pakistan, 1999, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#18)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 1/10 & 2/35, 136
Batting Position: #4 (4th Innings)

Context: A thriller of a Test match, and Tendulkar’s masterclass in the fourth innings. Chasing a mammoth 271 in Chennai, India were reeling at 6/2 and later at 82/5. Ramesh, Laxman, Dravid, Azharuddin, and Ganguly, all back in the hut. With some support from Nayan Mongia, Tendulkar almost single-handedly drove India close to victory. However, Pakistan held their nerve and India would lose this close fourth innings encounter by just 12 runs.

Scorecard: 136 (273) | 28 Jan 1999 | Pakistan vs India Scorecard 1998/99

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar Fighting 136 vs Pakistan in 1999 Chennai Test Highlights

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40. 124* vs Sri Lanka, 1999, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#19)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: Another high scoring draw against Sri Lanka. Tendulkar was one of the many centurions from this Test; others being Ramesh, Dravid, and Jayawardene, who scored 242.

Scorecard: 124 (235) | 24 Feb 1999 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1998/99

41. 140* vs Kenya, 1999, Bristol (ODI)

Format: ODI (#22)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: County Ground, Bristol, England
Result: Won, (POTM) – 140*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 1999 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: Tendulkar’s first ODI century at #4. This innings is best remembered for Sachin’s tribute to his late father, and the unbeaten 237-run partnership between Dravid-Tendulkar.

Scorecard: 140* (101) | 23 May 1999 | India vs Kenya Scorecard 1999

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 140 101 vs Kenya 1999 World Cup

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42. 120 vs Sri Lanka, 1999, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#23)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won
Batting Position: #1 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Aiwa Cup 1999 (Tri Series: Aus, SL, Ind)

Context: Back to opening with Sadagoppan Ramesh as his partner, Tendulkar took first strike in this match. He was involved in the 75-run opening partnership as well as a 117-run partnership with Ganguly, who was now the new #4.

Scorecard: 120 (141) | 29 Aug 1999 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 1999

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 120 vs Sri Lanka 1999 Colombo

43. 126* vs New Zealand, 1999, Mohali (Test)

Format: Test (#20)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Inning)

Context: India recovered from 83-all out in the first innings to score a mammoth 505/3 declared in their second. Debutant Devang Gandhi scored 75, Ramesh chipped in with 73, and the Dravid-Tendulkar duo managed 144 & 126* respectively.

Scorecard: 126 (248) | 10 Oct 1999 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin’s126 vs NZL 1999-2000

44. 217 vs New Zealand, 1999, Ahmedabad (Test)

Format: Test (#21)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 217
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: India put up 583/7 declared in the first innings courtesy centuries from Ramesh (110), Ganguly (125), and Tendulkar (217). This was Sachin Tendulkar’s first double century.

Scorecard: 217 (344) | 29 Oct 1999 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 217 vs New Zealand 1999

45. 186* vs New Zealand, 1999, Hyderabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#24)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad, Deccan, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 186*
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: This day is remembered for a couple of reasons – (1) One of the final days when ODIs where played in whites, (2) a 331-run partnership between Dravid & Tendulkar, and finally (3) Sachin’s highest ODI score that stood tall until his double century.

Scorecard: 186* (150) | 8 Nov 1999 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: sachin tendulkar 186* vs new zealand 1999 part 1, sachin tendulkar 186* vs new zealand 1999 part2

46. 116 vs Australia, 1999, Melbourne (Test)

Format: Test (#22)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 116 & 52
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: One of Sachin Tendulkar’s finest knocks. Against an attack of Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, Brett Lee, and Shane Warne, Tendulkar fought the lone hand. He scored 116 out of India’s 238 in the first innings with minimal support apart from Ganguly & Kumble and followed it up with a fifty in the second innings.

Scorecard: 116 (191) | 26 Dec 1999 | Australia vs India Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s Amazing 116 vs Invincible Australia in MCG 1999 Boxing Day Test Extended Video

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47. 122 vs South Africa, 2000, Vadodara (ODI)

Format: ODI (#25)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Sports Complex Ground, Vadodara, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 122
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Tendulkar & Ganguly, back to the top of the batting order, put together 153 runs for the first wicket. India won by 4 wickets with just one ball to spare in the chase of 283.

Scorecard: 122 (138) | 17 Mar 2000 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 1999/00

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 122 Vadodra v SA 2000

48. 101 vs Sri Lanka, 2000, Sharjah (ODI)

Format: ODI (#26)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 101
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Coco-Cola Champions Trophy 2000/01 (Tri Series: SL, Ind, Zim)

Context: From India’s side, only Tendulkar stood up with a century when the next best was 35. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, chased 225 with sizeable contributions from Russell Arnold (59), Jayasuriya (48), Sangakkara (40*), and Jayawardene (38).

Scorecard: 101 (140) | 20 Oct 2000 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s 48th century 101(140) vs Sri Lanka in the CocaCola Trophy 2000

49. 122 vs Zimbabwe, 2000, Delhi (Test)

Format: Test (#23)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: This match is better known for Javagal Srinath’s 4/81 & 5/60, Andy Flower’s 183* * 70, and Dravid’s 200* & 70*, but Tendulkar contributed nicely with 122 & 39 as well.

Scorecard: 122 (233) | 18 Nov 2000 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Rahul Dravid 200 & Sachin Tendulkar 122 and 213 runs stand 1st Test vs Zimbabwe Delhi 2000-01

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50. 201* vs Zimbabwe, 2000, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#24)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: You would think Sachin’s unbeaten double century would yield him a player of the match trophy. Think again, this was Zimbabwe cricket at its peak and Andy Flower upped Tendulkar with a show of 55 & 232*.

Scorecard: 201* (392) | 25 Nov 2000 | India vs Zimbabwe Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Sachin’s 2nd Double Hundred(201*) vs Zimbabwe, 2000

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51. 146 vs Zimbabwe, 2000, Jodhpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#27)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Barkatullah Khan Stadium, Jodhpur, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Zimbabwe cricket at its absolute peak. 70s from the Flower brothers ensured Tendulkar’s 140 odd runs go in vain.

Scorecard: 146 (153) | 8 Dec 2000 | India vs Zimbabwe Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: 27th ODI Century Sachin Tendulkar 146 vs Zim at Jodhpur 2000 Extended HQ Highlights

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52. 126 vs Australia, 2001, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#25)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: We all remember this month for Harbhajan’s excellence and the colossal Laxman’s 281 & Dravid’s 180 rearguard effort. But in the final match of the series, Sachin scored a century of his own.

Scorecard: 126 (230) | 18 Mar 2001 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 126 vs Australia Chennai 2001

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT): The Definitive Guide (Updated 2023)

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53. 139 vs Australia, 2001, Indore (ODI)

Format: ODI (#28)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Nehru Stadium, Indore, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 139
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: A game India truly dominated. VVS Laxman & Tendulkar combined for a 199-run second wicket partnership. India reached 299/8 and won by 118 runs.

Scorecard: 139 (125) | 31 Mar 2001 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2000/01

Video Highlights: India vs Australia 3rd ODI 2001 Highlights | Sachin Reaches 10,000 ODI Runs, India Crush Australia!!

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54. 122* vs West Indies, 2001, Harare (ODI)

Format: ODI (#29)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
Result: Won, (POTM) – 122*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Coca-Cola Cup 2001 (Tri Series: Ind, WI, Zim)

Context: Yet another century partnership with Sourav Ganguly. These two helped India chase 230 runs in 48.1 overs.

Scorecard: 122* (131) | 4 Jul 2001 | West Indies vs India Scorecard 2001

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 122* vs West Indies 2001

55. 101 vs South Africa, 2001, Johannesburg (ODI)

Format: ODI (#30)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Standard Bank Triangular Tournament 2001/02 (SA, Ind, Ken)

Context: This time Ganguly took the aggressive route and hit 127 (126) with five gigantic sixes, while Tendulkar nudged it around to score 101 (129).

Scorecard: 101 (129) | 5 Oct 2001 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 101 vs SA Johannesburg 2001

56. 146 vs Kenya, 2001, ODI, Paarl (ODI)

Format: ODI (#31)
Opposition: Kenya
Venue: Boland Bank Park, Paarl, South Africa
Result: Won, (POTM) – 146
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Standard Bank Triangular Tournament 2001/02 (SA, Ind, Ken)

Context: The golden era of Ganguly-Tendulkar mayhem continued. Ganguly 111, Tendulkar 146, partnership 258 runs, India 351/3. Ended up winning by 186 runs.

Scorecard: 146 (132) | 24 Oct 2001 | India vs Kenya Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 146 vs Kenya

57. 155 vs South Africa, 2001, Bloemfontein (Test)

Format: Test (#26)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Against an attack of Shaun Pollock, Nantie Hayward, Jacques Kallis, and Makhaya Ntini, Tendulkar scored a fluent 155 and had support from a certain Virender Sehwag (105) at #6.

Scorecard: 155 (184) | 3 Nov 2001 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin 155 vs south africa 1st test 2001 at Bloemfontein

58. 103 vs England, 2001, Ahmedabad (Test)

Format: Test (#27)
Opposition: England
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Responding to England’s first innings total of 407, India struggled under the guile of Giles. Ashley Giles took 5/67, but Tendulkar’s 103 took India to a safe score of 291.

Scorecard: 103 (197) | 11 Dec 2001 | England vs India Scorecard 2001/02

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 103 vs England Ahmedabad 2001/02

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59. 176 vs Zimbabwe, 2002, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#28)
Opposition: Zimbabwe
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: On this occasion, India were a class apart against Zimbabwe. Centuries from Shiv Sundar Das, Tendulkar, and Sanjay Bangar as well as a 9-wicket match haul for Anil Kumble meant that Zimbabwe were never really in the game.

Scorecard: 176 (316) | 21 Feb 2002 | Zimbabwe vs India Scorecard 2001/02

Video Clip: Sachin’s 176 vs Zimbabwe 2002

60. 117 vs West Indies, 2002, Port of Spain (Test)

Format: Test (#29)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Although Tendulkar scored a century in the first innings (and duck in the second), it was VVS Laxman’s twin fifties (69* & 74) that earned him the player of the match trophy.

Scorecard: 117 (260) | 19 Apr 2002 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 117 vs West Indies Trinidad

61. 105* vs England, 2002, Chester-le-Street (ODI)

Format: ODI (#32)
Opposition: England
Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, England
Result: No Result
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Tournament: NatWest Series (Ind, Eng, SL)

Context: Tendulkar back at #4 in ODIs in a damp squib.

Scorecard: 104* (108) | 4 Jul 2002 | India vs England Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: 32nd ODI century 105 vs England Chester-le-Street 2002

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62. 113 vs Sri Lanka, 2002, Bristol (ODI)

Format: ODI (#33)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: The Royal & Sun Alliance County Ground, Bristol, England
Result: Won, (POTM) – 113
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Tournament: NatWest Series (Ind, Eng, SL)

Context: Before the Yuvraj-Kaif magic and Ganguly’s celebration celebration in the final, Tendulkar scored a couple of tons of his own in THAT NatWest series.

Scorecard: 113 (102) | 11 Jul 2002 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: Tendulkar 113 vs Sri Lanka at Bristol 2002

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63. 193 vs England, 2002, Leeds (Test)

Format: Test (#30)
Opposition: England
Venue: Headingly, Leeds, England
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Although Tendulkar & Ganguly (128) accelerated India’s score toward 628/8 declared with a commanding 193, Sanjay Bangar – 68 (236) and Rahul Dravid – 148 (307) set up this memorable overseas victory.

Scorecard: 193 (330) | 22 Aug 2002 | India vs England Scorecard 2002

Video Highlights: The Little Master At His Best: Tendulkar Hits His 30th Hundred | England v India 2002 – Highlights

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64. 176 vs West Indies, 2002, Kolkata (Test)

Format: Test (#31)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 36 & 176
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: This match ended in a draw, but not before several great individual performances – Gayle’s 88, Wavell Hinds’ 100, Chanderpaul’s 140, Samuels’ 104, Harbhajan Singh’s 5-fer, 154* for VVS Laxman, and the Little Master’s 176.

Scorecard: 176 (298) | 30 Oct 2002 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2002/03

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 31st Test Century 176 Vs West Indies, Kolkata 2002

65. 152 vs Namibia, 2003, Pietermaritzburg (ODI)

Format: ODI (#34)
Opposition: Namibia
Venue: City Oval, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Result: Won, (POTM) – 152
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 2003 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: Good exposure for Namibia in an ODI World Cup, but Tendulkar (152) himself beat all of the Namibian team combined (130). It was that pair again on the charge – 244 between Tendulkar & Ganguly, who scored 112*.

Scorecard: 152 (151) | 23 Feb 2003 | India vs Namibia Scorecard 2002/03

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 152 vs Namibia 2003 World Cup

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66. 100 vs Australia, 2003, Gwalior (ODI)

Format: ODI (#35)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100 & 1/39
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: TVS Cup (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: Against Australia, rises VVS Laxman. Laxman scored 102 before being run out by Andrew Symonds and added 190 runs with Tendulkar for the second wicket.

Scorecard: 100 (119) | 26 Oct 2003 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 100 vs Australia Gwalior 2003

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67. 102 vs New Zealand, 2003, Hyderabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#36)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad, Deccan, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: TVS Cup (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, NZ)

Context: Virender Sehwag cemented his place as Tendulkar’s opening partner in ODIs. The duo scored 182 for the opening wicket while Ganguly dropped to #3 in the batting line up.

Scorecard: 102 (91) | 5 Nov 2003 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin 102 vs New Zealand Hyderabad 2003 04 TVS Cup ODI Century 36

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68. 241* vs Australia, 2004, Sydney (Test)

Format: Test (#32)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 241* & 60*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: The Test innings that everyone still talks about to this day. In order to rectify a flaw outside off, Tendulkar decided to let go off his famous cover drive. The art of a true genius. This innings required patience, grit, and mental fortitude. At the end, he scored a famous double century and probably his best Test innings.

Scorecard: 241* (436) | 2 Jan 2004 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: From the Vault: Super Sachin’s SCG special in 2004

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69. 141 vs Pakistan, 2004, Rawalpindi (ODI)

Format: ODI (#37)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Result: Lost, (POTM) – 141
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: One of the best ODI series of all-time. Pakistan scored 329 due to neat 80s from Yasir Hameed and Shahid Afridi along with important contributions from Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Abdul Razzaq. In reply, Tendulkar scored 141 but did not have as much support from the rest of the XI as India fell short by 12 runs.

Scorecard: 141 (135) | 16 Mar 2004 | Pakistan vs India Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 141 India v Pakistan Samsung Cup 2nd ODI at Rawalpindi 2004

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70. 194* vs Pakistan, 2004, Multan (Test)

Format: Test (#33)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Fondly remembered for Sehwag’s 309 and Dravid’s controversial declaration when Tendulkar was on 194*.

Scorecard: 194* (348) | 28 Mar 2004 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 2003/04

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 194* vs Pakistan 1st Test 2004 Multan

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71. 248* vs Bangladesh, 2004, Dhaka (Test)

Format: Test (#34)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Tendulkar scored his highest individual Test score as Irfan Pathan‘s 11-wicket match haul demolished Bangladesh.

Scorecard: 248* (379) | 10 Dec 2004 | Bangladesh vs India Scorecard 2004/05

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 248 vs Bangladesh Mirpur Dhaka 2004

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72. 123 vs Pakistan, 2005, Ahmedabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#38)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar’s hundred, Dhoni’s 47, and Yuvraj’s 35* got India to a score of 319, but Inzamam-ul-Haq & Shoaib Malik forged a quick partnership to take Pakistan home.

Scorecard: 123 (130) | 12 Apr 2005 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 2004/05

Video Highlights: 38th ODI ton- Sachin Tendulkar 123 vs Pakistan 2005 Ahmedabad

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73. 109 vs Sri Lanka, 2005, Delhi (Test)

Format: Test (#35)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: With this knock, Sachin Tendulkar went past the great Sunil Gavaskar’s landmark of 34 Test centuries.

Scorecard: 109 (196) | 10 Dec 2005 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2005/06

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR 35TH TEST 100

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74. 100 vs Pakistan, 2006, Peshawar (ODI)

Format: ODI (#39)
Opposition: Pakistan
Venue: Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar, Pakistan
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Another close match against Pakistan. Another loss. Tendulkar (100), Irfan Pathan (56), and Dhoni (68) took India to 328, but a hundred from Salman Butt & 90 from Shoaib Malik meant the chase was complete with 3 overs to spare.

Scorecard: 100 (113) | 6 Feb 2006 | India vs Pakistan Scorecard 2005/06

Video Highlights: Sachin’s 39th ODI 100 vs Pakistan @ Peshawar 6th February 2006

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75. 141* vs West Indies, 2006, Kuala Lumpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#40)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: DLF Cup 2006/07 (Tri Series: Aus, WI, Ind)

Context: India scored 309, but WI won by the D/L method as they scored 141 runs in just 20 overs.

Scorecard: 141* (148) | 14 Sep 2006 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2006/07

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR 141 vs West Indies | DLF Cup Kuala Lampur 2006 | EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS

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76. 100* vs West Indies, 2007, Vadodara (ODI)

Format: ODI (#41)
Opposition: West Indies
Venue: Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited Sports Complex Ground, Vadodara, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 100*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: MS Dhoni’s finishing abilities and Tendulkar’s quickfire 100* at a strike rate of 131.57 from #4 took the game away from West Indies.

Scorecard: 100* (76) | 31 Jan 2007 | India vs West Indies Scorecard 2006/07

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR | 41st ODI Ton | 100* Vadodara | 4th ODI | WEST INDIES tour of INDIA 2007

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77. 101 vs Bangladesh, 2007, Chattogram (Test)

Format: Test (#36)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Bir Shrestha Shahid Ruhul Amin Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Centuries for Tendulkar and Ganguly. Known for their ODI partnership, this time they put together a 189-run partnership for the 4th wicket in this Test.

Scorecard: 101 (169) | 18 May 2007 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2007

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 101 vs Bangladesh 1st Test 2007 Chittagong

78. 122* vs Bangladesh, 2007, Mirpur (Test)

Format: Test (#37)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: A rare occasion where India’s entire Top 4 scored centuries – Dinesh Karthik 129, Wasim Jaffer 138, Rahul Dravid 129, and Sachin Tendulkar 122*. India declared after scoring 610/3 and won by an innings & 239 runs.

Scorecard: 122* (226) | 25 May 2007 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2007

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 78th century 122 vs Ban Mirpur 2007

79. 154* vs Australia, 2008, Sydney (Test)

Format: Test (#38)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney, Australia
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: One of the more controversial series in recent memories, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that Tendulkar scored yet another majestic hundred Down Under.

Scorecard: 154* (243) | 2 Jan 2008 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2007/08

Video Highlights: Sachin’s Sydney love-affair continues with majestic 154*

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80. 153 vs Australia, 2008, Adelaide (Test)

Format: Test (#39)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
Result: Drawn, (POTM) – 153
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Another 150+ score in the series for Tendulkar. Sehwag, Kumble, and Harbhajan all chipped in with fifties as India scored 526.

Scorecard: 153 (205) | 24 Jan 2008 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2007/08

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s 153 in Adelaide 2007 – 2008

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81. 117* vs Australia, 2008, Sydney (ODI)

Format: ODI (#42)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Australia
Result: Won, (POTM) – 117*
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Tournament: Commonwealth Bank (CB) Series (Tri Series: Aus, Ind, SL)

Context: One of India’s more celebrated victories as the era of tri-series was coming to an end. Tendulkar’s 117* took India to victory in the CB series final. This series will be remembered for the Lee vs Tendulkar battle.

Scorecard: 117* (120) | 2 Mar 2008 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2007/08

Video Highlights: From the Vault: Super Sachin steers India to victory in tri-series final

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82. 109 vs Australia, 2008, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#40)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Sachin’s 109 set the platform as India scored 441 in the first innings. Despite Jason Krejza’s best effort (8/215 & 4/143), Australia still fell short by 172 runs in the Test.

Scorecard: 109 (188) | 6 Nov 2008 | India vs Australia Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: India Vs Australia 4th Test Nagpur (2008) | Sourav Ganguly’s Final test Match

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83. 103* vs England, 2008, Chennai (Test)

Format: Test (#41)
Opposition: England
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (4th Innings)

Context: One of the greatest Test chases of all time. The original Bazball fourth innings chase. 387 chased down in 98.3 overs at 3.92 run rate, courtesy Sehwag’s quick assault of 83 (68).

Scorecard: 103 (196) | 11 Dec 2008 | England vs India Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: India 387 run chase vs england | India 387 run chase | India 387 chase |india chase 387

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84. 163* vs New Zealand, 2009, Christchurch (ODI)

Format: ODI (#43)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand
Result: Won, (POTM) – 163*
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: Ended retired hurt at 163* with five overs still to spare. One of Tendulkar’s greatest ODI innings, playing shots all around the park with 16 fours and five sixes.

Scorecard: 163* (133) | 8 Mar 2009 | India vs New Zealand Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar – Magical 163* vs NZ | 43rd ODI century

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85. 160 vs New Zealand, 2009, Hamilton (Test)

Format: Test (#42)
Opposition: New Zealand
Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand
Result: Won, (POTM) – 160
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: An all-round batting performance led by Tendulkar took India to 520 in the first innings, and the Kiwis never recovered. Gambhir’s Napier marathon of 137 & 167 in Wellington secured crucial draws, but Tendulkar’s hundred in this match helped India take the lead 1-0.

Scorecard: 160 (260) | 18 Mar 2009 | New Zealand vs India Scorecard 2008/09

Video Highlights: SACHIN TENDULKAR 160 vs New Zealand | 1st Test 2009

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86. 138 vs Sri Lanka, 2009, Colombo (ODI)

Format: ODI (#44)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: RPS, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Won, (POTM) – 138
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Compaq Cup (Tri Series: SL, Ind, NZ)

Context: Tendulkar’s 138 & 56 each for Dhoni-Yuvraj took India to a match-winning 319/5, and Harbhajan (5/56) did the rest.

Scorecard: 138 (133) | 14 Sep 2009 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2009

Video Highlights: Sachin 138 vs srilanka 2009

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87. 175 vs Australia, 2009, Hyderabad (ODI)

Format: ODI (#45)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (2nd Innings)

Context: Apart from the Sharjah knocks in 1998 vs Australia, this is quite possibly Sachin Tendulkar’s best ODI innings of all-time. Chasing 351, Sachin got India to 332 before paddle scooping it to Nathan Hauritz. A collapse followed and India were stopped at 347. So close, yet so far.

Scorecard: 175 (141) | 5 Nov 2009 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Tendulkar MasterClass not enough for India| 5th ODI (D/N)| Hyderabad (Deccan)| Australia tour India

88. 100* vs Sri Lanka, 2009, Ahmedabad (Test)

Format: Test (#43)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad, India
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #5 (3rd Innings)

Context: One of those high scoring India-Sri Lanka matches. Welegedera’s first morning spell reduced India to 4/32 before Dravid (177), Yuvraj (68), and Dhoni (110) helped India recover. In response, Dilshan scored 112, Jayawardenes scored centuries (275 for Mahela and 154* for Prasanna). Then came 114 for Gautam Gambhir and finally, 100* for Sachin Tendulkar at the end of the third innings.

Scorecard: 100* (211) | 6 Nov 2009 | India vs Sri Lanka Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: India vs Srilanka 1st Test 2009 at Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad | Tendulkar Dhoni Gambhir Dravid 100s

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89. 105* vs Bangladesh, 2010, Chattogram (Test)

Format: Test (#44)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Result: Won, (POTM) – 105*
Batting Position: #4 (1st Innings)

Context: Tendulkar’s unbeaten hundred was India’s only fighting force in the first innings as Shahadat Hossain & Shakib took 5 wickets each and bundled India for 243.

Scorecard: 105* (166) | 17 Jan 2010 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 89th century 105 vs Ban Chittagong 2010

90. 143 vs Bangladesh, 2010, Mirpur (Test)

Format: Test (#45)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Fifties for Gambhir-Sehwag, centuries for Dravid-Tendulkar, and 10 wicket-haul for Zaheer Khan ensured Indian victory.

Scorecard: 143 (182) | 24 Jan 2010 | Bangladesh vs India Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 143 vs Ban Dhaka 2010 45th Test 100

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91. 100 vs South Africa, 2010, Nagpur (Test)

Format: Test (#46)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #4 (3rd Innings)

Context: 335 runs behind South Africa in the first innings after Amla’s 253* and Steyn’s masterclass of 7/51, Tendulkar tried to save India in the follow-on. Tendulkar made a century but India still lost by an innings and 6 runs against a world class South African outfit.

Scorecard: 100 (179) | 6 Feb 2010 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 2009/10

92. 106 vs South Africa, 2010, Kolkata (Test)

Format: Test (#47)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Result: Won
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: A Valentine Century for Sachin Tendulkar. Fun Fact – Tendulkar’s 106 was actually India’s third highest score in the innings after Laxman’s 143 & Sehwag’s 165. Hashim Amla also scored twin tons in that match, 114 & 123*, but India would end up winning by an innings.

Scorecard: 106 (206) | 14 Feb 2010 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: 🔥Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar 106 vs South Africa in 2010🏏

93. 200* vs South Africa, 2010, Gwalior (ODI)

Format: ODI (#46)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 200*
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Context: First player to hit a double century in ODI cricket. It was meant to be. Just meant to be.

Scorecard: 200* (147) | 24 Feb 2010 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2009/10

Video Highlights: Sachin vs South Africa Highlights HD🔥 First ODI Double Century hitter | India | Sachin 200 Runs

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94. 203 vs Sri Lanka, 2010, Colombo (Test)

Format: Test (#48)
Opposition: Sri Lanka
Venue: SSC, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Tendulkar continued his rich vein of form with yet another double century. By the time he was done, he had already posted 592 runs. India would make 707 as the match headed towards a draw.

Scorecard: 203 (347) | 26 Jul 2010 | Sri Lanka vs India Scorecard 2010

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 203 vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2010 at Colombo (SSC)

95. 214 vs Australia, 2010, Bengaluru (Test)

Format: Test (#49)
Opposition: Australia
Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, India
Result: Won, (POTM) – 214 & 53*
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Replying back to Australia’s 478, Tendulkar & Murali Vijay put together a 308-run stand to help India recover from 38/2. Tendulkar’s final double century.

Scorecard: 214 (363) | 9 Oct 2010 | Australia vs India Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 214 vs Australia 2010

96. 111* vs South Africa, 2010, Centurion (Test)

Format: Test (#50)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion, South africa
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #5 (3rd Innings)

Context: India’s first innings collapse came back to haunt them in this match. India were bundled out 136 and South Africa replied with 620/4 declared featuring Jacques Kallis’ maiden double century. Tendulkar (111*), Dhoni (90), Gambhir (80), and Sehwag (63) took India to 459, but still could not avoid an innings defeat.

Scorecard: 111* (241) | 16 Dec 2010 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 50th Test Century || Highlights || South Africa 2010

97. 146 vs South Africa, 2011, Cape Town (Test)

Format: Test (#51)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa
Result: Drawn
Batting Position: #4 (2nd Innings)

Context: Against Dale Steyn & Morne Morkel in their primes, Tendulkar crafted a majestic ton at Newlands. One of the best performances for an Indian batter overseas.

Scorecard: 146 (314) | 2 Jan 2011 | South Africa vs India Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar 146 vs South Africa 2011 in Newlands | 51st Test Century

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98. 120 vs England, 2011, Bengaluru (ODI)

Format: ODI (#47)
Opposition: England
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, India
Result: Tied
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: The best match of the 2011 ODI World Cup. Tendulkar’s 120 helped India post 338, but Andrew Strauss’ 158 helped England tie India.

Scorecard: 120 (115) | 27 Feb 2011 | India vs England Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: India vs England | 2011 Cricket World Cup (Hindi Version)

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99. 111 vs South Africa, 2011, Nagpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#48)
Opposition: South Africa
Venue: Vidharbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup

Context: In one of the best matches of the tournament, Sehwag & Tendulkar powered India to a 142-run stand in just 17.4 overs. Dale Steyn’s 5-fer would reduce India to 296, which South Africa would chase down in a thriller of a contest.

Scorecard: 111 (101) | 12 Mar 2011 | India vs South Africa Scorecard 2010/11

Video Highlights: India vs South Africa Highlights | 2011 Cricket World Cup (Hindi Version)

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100. 114 vs Bangladesh, 2012, Mirpur (ODI)

Format: ODI (#49)
Opposition: Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh
Result: Lost
Batting Position: #2 (1st Innings)

Tournament: Asia Cup 2012 (Pak, Ban, Ind, SL)

Context: For such an illustrious career, this innings was criticized by many due to that strike rate of 77.55. Despite a 148-run partnership with Virat Kohli, Tendulkar’s final hundred resulted in Team India’s loss unfortunately.

Scorecard: 114 (147) | 16 Mar 2012 | India vs Bangladesh Scorecard 2011/12

Video Highlights: Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th Century Highlights | India vs Bangladesh | Asia Cup 2012

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Sachin Tendulkar Centuries

How many centuries did Sachin Tendulkar score in international cricket across all formats?

Sachin Tendulkar scored 100 centuries across all formats (51 ODI centuries, 49 Test centuries).

Which was Sachin Tendulkar’s first century as a captain of Indian national cricket team?

Tendulkar’s first century as captain was against Sri Lanka in 1996.

When did Sachin Tendulkar score his first double century?

Sachin Tendulkar scored his first double century on 29 October, 1999 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad when he made 217 (344).

How many times did Sachin Tendulkar have a score in the nervous nineties?

Sachin Tendulkar scored in the nervous nineties 28 times, 10 in Test matches & 18 in ODI cricket (one not out, 17 out).

If You Liked Reading This, You May Also Like

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 04/29/2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

17 South Africa World Cup Chokes and Heartbreaks: The Complete List (Men’s & Women’s Combined)

by Nitesh Mathur | Nov 4, 2022 | South African Cricket, World XIs - With Twists

South Africa World Cup Chokes, a phrase we have often heard before, maybe too often.

SOUTH AFRICA HAVE BEEN ELIMINATE FROM THE 2022 T20 WORLD CUP, COURTESY THE NETHERLANDS.

I personally do not like the ‘choker’ term, but there is a reason why the Proteas have earned this tag—rain interruptions, inexplicable collapses, internal politics, dropped catches & runouts, mathematical errors, and sometimes they just don’t show up on the big day. So, to refresh your memories, here is the List of Top 17 South Africa World Cup Chokes & Heartbreaks—Men & Women Combined.

Top 17 List of South Africa World Cup Chokes

1. 1999 World Cup Semi-Final (The Run-Out)

Match Scorecard:

What Happened?

The heartbreaks of all heartbreaks. 8 runs needed in 1 over, 1 wicket remaining. Lance Klusener, in the form of his life, hits two fours. 1 run needed in 4 balls. Klusener – 31*(14). Surely, Proteas has one foot in the finals. Unfortunately, not enough feet as Klusener calls for a panic run, Allan Donald ball watches, runs late, and gets run out. Match Tied. The tie breaker? The Super Six match between Australia and South Africa, which Australia won, most famously known for Steve Waugh’s comment to Herschelle Gibbs, “You just dropped the World Cup.” Waugh went on to make a century and Australia won that clash.

Video: The Final Over, Gibbs Drops the World Cup

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2. 1992 World Cup Semi-Final (Rain Drama)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of England vs South Africa 2nd SF 1991/92 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

What’s the fuss with DL method? Or the DLS vs VJD methods? Well, long, long time ago these rules did not exist. 22 needed in 13. Anyone’s game. Rain intervened for a short 10-minute break. Next thing you know, South Africa need 22 runs in 1 ball. Explain that.

3. 2022 T20 World Cup Group Stage Exit (Nerves)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Netherlands vs South Africa 40th Match, Group 2 2022/23 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Myburgh, Max O’Dowd, Colin Ackermann, Tom Cooper, and Scott Edward’s little contributions took Netherlands to 158/4. Quick start by the Proteas but regular wickets and THAT CATCH by former South African cricketer, Roelof van der Merwe meant SA could only get to 145/8. From top of the group to crashing out. They only needed to win one game of the last two and they failed. The No-Result vs Zimbabwe will pinch them as well.“

4. 2003 World Cup Group Stage Exit (Math/DL Method)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs South Africa 40th Match 2002/03 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

1, 0, 0, 5 wides, 1, SIX!, 0, RAIN. Match Tied. South Africa eliminated in the group stage at a home world cup.

Murali bowling to Klusener-Boucher. Last ball-Dot. Reason? South Africa management had miscalculated the DL method and stayed at 229. Had they taken a single, SA would have qualified for the next round.

When asked captain Shaun Pollock in the post-match presentation whether there was any confusion over DL calculations, Pollock replied with “Yeah, Boucher was given a message of 229.”

“So for the second time in a row, South Africa exited with a Tied game. South Africa and the public couldn’t believe it. One run the difference between success and failure.”
– Broadcaster

Video: Duckworth Lewis Drama

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5. 2015 World Cup Semi-Final (Politics, Nerves)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of South Africa vs New Zealand 1st Semi-Final 2014/15 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Well on the field, you cannot really blame South Africa. With the bat, Faf-ABD-Miller got South Africa to a massive total in a, wait for it, rain curtailed game. NZ had less overs to chase, Baz went all out, Grant Elliot played the innings of his life, and Dale Steyn was on his feet at the end. Rain had arrived when SA were cruising at 216/3 in 38 overs. They got 281 in 43, but NZ magnificently chased 299 (DL).

Nerves, drops, run outs missed. But more serious was the off the field news that emerged later about the Abbott-Philander fiasco and the quota interference. The great South African generation was fractured and would collapse in the next couple of years.

Grant Elliot, Superman.

Video: Ian Smith’s Final Moments

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6. 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-Final (Rain/DL Method)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of AUS Women vs SA Women 2nd Semi-Final 2019/20 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Meg Lanning gets Australia to 134/5. Runs on the board, but still chaseable with South Africa’s solid batting order. But then, rain intervened. Again. And now they needed 98 in 13 overs, much more challenging with the higher required rate. Laura Wolvaardt played a gem of a knock 41* (27) and brought it down to 19 off 6, but unfortunately, no Carlos Brathwaite moment for them.

Video: Australia breaks South Africa’s Hearts

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7. 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup Semi-Final (Nerves/Drops/Extras)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of SA Women vs ENG Women 1st Semi-Final 2017 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

South Africa scored a competitive 218. South Africa defending their last over – Dropped dot ball, 1, Wicket, Four. Another last over heartbreak. The difference between the sides? Extras.4 given by England and 25 by South Africa.

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8. 2011 World Cup Quarter Final (Run-Out Induced Collapse)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs South Africa 3rd Quarter-Final 2010/11 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Small total to chase, good partnership. All looking good. Then some harsh fighting on the field, a run-out, and the collapse. Perfect ingredients for the ideal South African choke.

From 108-2 in 24 overs to 172 all out in the small chase of 222.

Embed from Getty Images

9. 2021 T20 World Cup Group Stage (Net Run Rate)

Match Scorecard: South Africa beat England South Africa won by 10 runs – South Africa vs England, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 39th Match

What Happened?

4 wins out of 5. Net Run Rate of +0.739. Temba Bavuma unites the team after Quinton de Kock sits out. Surely, nothing can stop them now? Nope. England & Australia both won 4/5 and had an EVEN BETTER net run rate. The Stoinis-Wade partnership in the low scoring first match hurt South Africa.

In their final match against England, they had scored 189/2 and won against the great English side. Even that wasn’t enough as they had to restrict England to 131 to get their NRR high enough.

10. 2009 T20 World Cup Semi-Final (Collapse)

Match: Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Semi-Final 2009 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

5 overs, 39/0 in chase of 150. Kallis, AB De Villiers, Smith, Gibbs. Pakistan team squeezed, SA lost by 7 runs. Another semi-final loss.

11. 2007 T20 World Cup Group Stage (Net Run Rate)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of India vs South Africa 24th Match, Group E 2007/08 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

India won this one comfortably. South Africa could only get to 116 in chase of 154. Had they got 10 more runs, they would have qualified to the semi-finals of the inaugural T20 World Cup, but lost out due to NRR yet again.

12. 2007 World Cup Semi-Final (Outplayed)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of South Africa vs Australia 2nd Semi-Final 2006/07 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Finally, South Africa could take revenge of the 1999 World Cup semi-final.

However they only scored 149 and at one time were reeling at 27/5. Never in the game as McGrath blew them away.

13. 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup Semi-Final (Outplayed)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of ENG Women vs SA Women 2nd Semi Final 2021/22 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Danni Wyatt 129* and Ecclestone’s 6/36 made sure South Africa were just not in the game.

14. 2014 T20 World Cup Semi-Final (Virat Kohli Special)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of South Africa vs India 2nd Semi-Final 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

Yuvraj Singh departs. India 133-3 in 16 overs, India still need 43 in 4, but Virat Kohli was just too good on that day.

Video: http://Kohli demolishes South Africa

15. 2000 Women’s ODI World Cup Semi-Final (Outplayed)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of SA Women vs AUS Women 1st SF 2000/01 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

South Africa got to 181 in 50 overs, but Lisa Keightley & Belinda Clark were just too good. Chase complete in 31.2 overs.

Also Read: History of Women’s Cricket World Cup – Everything You Need to Know to Prep Yourself for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup

16. 2014 Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-Final (Outplayed)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of SA Women vs ENG Women 2nd Semi-Final 2013/14 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

South Africa could only score 101, while England’s stalwarts Sarah Taylor, Charlotte Edwards, and Heather Knight breezed through the chase in 16.5 overs.

17. 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup Group Match (Collapse)

Match Scorecard: Full Scorecard of SL WMN vs SA WMN 1st Match, Group A 2022/23 – Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

What Happened?

In a chase of 130, South Africa were cruising at 44-1 at 7.2 overs with Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp forming a steady partnership. Then, the spin crunched South Africa as the Proteas collapsed to 72-5. Sune Luus & Sinalo Jafta brought them close, but after the usual run-outs & panic, the Sri Lankan squeezed and won a historic match.

Also Read: Other South African Cricket Articles

Why are South Africa called ‘Chokers’ in world cricket?
South Africa have failed to qualify due to rain & nerves in 1992, 1999, 2007, 2011, and 2015 ODI World Cups along with 2007, 2009, 2014, and 2022 T20 World Cups, 2014, 2022 Women’s T20 World Cup and 2000, 2017, and 2022 Women’s ODI World Cups.

Comment below on your thoughts about South Africa World Cup Chokes and Heartbreaks! Also, feel free to checkout some of our other recent articles.

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, 2021. Originally published on 11/04/2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

15 Cricket Problems That Needs to Be Solved in the Next Decade | How to Fix Cricket 101

by Nitesh Mathur | Jan 27, 2022 | Article Index, Cricket innovations, Featured

Let’s talk about cricket problems, shall we?

In 1900, German mathematician David Hilbert proposed a list of 23 unsolved mathematics problems that would keep mathematicians busy for the next century.

And indeed, they did. Over the next hundred years, several of these challenging problems were either completely answered or partially solved. However, some of these problems remain unsolved even after a few centuries and failed attempts by great mathematicians.

So, at the turn of the 21st century, the Clay Institute of Mathematics put a $1 million reward (the hardest way to get a million dollars, I would say) for anyone who would solve any of the 7 proposed problems, known as the legendary Millennium Prize Problems [Millenium Maths Problem Explained in 90 Seconds].

So far, only one of them has been successfully solved (and the mathematician Grigori Perelman rejected the monetary award).

With Inspiration from my friend, Vandit

Why Cricket Needs to Solve Problems?

At this point, you must be thinking, “Why I am reading four paragraphs of math when I signed up for cricket?”

Don’t worry. Here comes the cricket.

2021 had a fair share of its problems for cricket—The Azeem Rafiq scandals, Tim Paine’s sexting exit, Thailand women losing a spot in the World Cup due to a flawed system, Glenn Maxwell, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Tom Banton taking time off due to mental health, Quinton de Kock’s kneeling issue in the T20 World & then retiring from Test cricket at the age of 29, the dissolution of the ODI Super League, New Zealand & England pulling out of Pakistan, the Afghanistan crisis, The Hundred Vs County Cricket debate, and just a general overdose of the IPL & cricket.

For a full read on these issues, check the following articles out:

The Structure of the Proposed Problems

Today I propose a list of 15 problems that will keep the cricket community (ICC, administrators, and cricketers themselves) busy for the next decade.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Neither do I have any monetary reward for you. I offer possible solutions—some of them you might like. Others? Not so much. So, then what is the point of all this?

The point is to churn up debate and conversations in the cricket community so eventually some of these solutions reach the upper echelons of the cricket boards and ICC. Comment below on your thoughts and ideas. Who knows, your idea might one day change cricket altogether.

If you like this content on Captain Virat Kohli, please subscribe above for FREE and follow us on our social media accounts.

Follow us here if you are on Medium or Bloglovin‘.

I. Global Expansion of Cricket

1. Need for a Global Cricket Calendar and T20 Leagues

The Problem: How can the cricket calendar provide space to the three international formats—Test, ODI, and T20I—as well as the growing T20 leagues?

These days, cricket is here, there, and everywhere. Today, we have the BPL, PSL, IPL, Global T20 Canda, T20 Vitality Blast, The Hundred, CPL, Shpageeza Cricket League, T10 League, SLPL, MSL, Super Smash, and the Big Bash running from January to December.

Cricket will hit its ceiling in the next 5-10 years. With new T20 leagues growing around the world, IPL becoming a 10-team venture (twice a year IPL also proposed), T10 leagues, The Hundred, a ‘Ninety-90 Bash’, & other retired professional leagues adding to the calendar, what is the limit?

And don’t get me wrong. Leagues are not necessarily a bad thing—more opportunities for Associate cricketers, professional life for players who cannot make their international XIs, and more match practice & auditions to make comeback cases, but it does threaten the existence of international cricket as a whole.

Possible Solutions

In The Need For Champions League & a T20 League Calendar article, we proposed that
1. Two-Three month reservation for the pinnacle of international cricket (T20/ODI WC, WTC Final), without T20 leagues during this period.
- Reinstatement of the Champions League as the center of the T20 yearly calendar.
- Enforcement of maximum of 3 leagues per year for a nationally contracted player.
Eventually, cricket may need to adopt the soccer (European football) model.
- International games reserved only for ODI World Cup qualification, WTC matches, and some friendlies/warm-ups. As many have suggested, bilateral T20Is should be scrapped totally.
- Players contracted by year-long leagues. They take leave to play a couple of international games every now and then until the World Cup, which dominates the summer every couple of years.
Experimental formats like T10 cricket and ‘Ninety-90’ Bash should end. Who knows, we might be playing a Super Over league at this rate.

Possible Pitfalls

The Indian Premier League and the BCCI holds a bit of influence over the cricket finances. If they reject any of the calendar limits, that may the end of any negotiations even though all the other cricketing nations might agree.

2. Decisiveness and Pathways on Olympics

The Problem: The ICC on cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics—Yes, No, maybe so?

For too long, cricket has dabbled with the idea of being in the Olympics and are closer than ever in making a decision. The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games will include a women’s 8-team T20 tournament. USA Cricket hopes for the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 LA Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics being ICC’s long-term goal.

However, what format will it be? T10? T20? If it is T10, does that mean cricket will have a fourth international format? How will qualification work? At this point, there are way too many questions and zero details on a path forward.

If cricket is serious about being in the Olympics, the administrators need to get their acts together. One or two meetings a year just doesn’t cut it.

Possible Solutions

It is worth a try regardless of the format. Ideally T20 cricket, starting from the 2028 LA Olympics (building upon USA’s Major League Cricket) would be great for the game.

The format of soccer’s 4 group of 4 is a good template (16 teams in the Olympics instead of 32 in the FIFA World Cup to keep the WC as the pinnacle product). If the T20I WC expands to 16-24 teams (both men/women) in the next decade, the Olympics can start with 8-12 teams with the best 2-3 teams qualifying from each region.

Also Read: T10 Cricket in Olympics? You Have Got to Be Kidding; USA Cricket: The Next NFL Or NBA – Trillion Dollar Bet?

Possible Pitfalls

Not every country has cricketing infrastructure. To create a consistent following, cricket at Olympics can only succeed if it is at every iteration. Unless cricket stadiums are built in every nation on earth, the ICC will have some complications in the early years at the Olympics.
Another tricky slope to navigate is the West Indies. Since each nation like Jamaica and Barbados will play the Olympics as its own nation, those teams will be significantly weaker in strength than the West Indies cricket team.

3. Expansion of the Women’s Game and Need for WIPL

The Problem: Women’s cricket is now mainstream, but is the structure in place to take the game forward?

Between 2017- March 2020, women’s cricket enjoyed a sort of golden era. The quality of cricket and broadcast in the 2017 ODI World Cup brought new fans to the game, and a record 86,174 attendance at the MCG for the 2020 WT20 Final proved that women’s cricket was on the rise.

However, the pandemic has exposed several gaps in the women’s game. For almost 12 months, women’s international cricket was largely halted around the world while the men’s IPL happened twice. Several smaller boards like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have not seen much gameplay. Although India have played a few internationals, there does not seem to be a plan for women’s domestic cricket. And a request for the women’s IPL is falling on deaf ears.

Add to that, the crisis faced by Thailand, one of the rising teams in women’s cricket. When omicron abruptly cancelled the qualifying tournament, it was tough to not see them qualify for the ODI World Cup despite being #1 in the group since their ODIs were not given ODI status.

Surely the structure and expansion in women’s cricket needs more thought, structure, and investment.

Also Read: #Controversy Alert: Who Cares About Women’s Cricket Anyway?

Possible Solutions

Multi-format series have been a brilliant idea but should become the standard across all teams.
The Hundred was a huge success for the women’s game in terms of awareness and equal split of men’s/women’s game. Each top league needs to adopt the same structure.
More teams to qualify for the T20 World Cup.

Also Read: History of Women’s Cricket World Cup

Possible Pitfalls

In order for the multi-format series to become the standard, more Test cricket and 3-day practice matches have to become the norm, which will take time.

4. Planned T20 Exposure for Cricket’s Growth

The Problem: Roadmap and resource management needed for the rapid growth of T20I cricket in emerging markets.

While women’s cricket and the Olympics are avenues to cricket’s global expansion, the ICC is utilizing T20 cricket for the spread of the game. In 2018, T20I status was granted to every cricket team (As of January 2022, 91 men’s teams and 53 women’s teams are in the T20I rankings). Further, a regional qualifier structure was provided for future T20 World Cups, which will be held every two years.

All this is good, but how are the resources going to be divided among these nations? Will they get professional international stadiums, broadcasting rights, DRS, and facilities? Will they be able to host tournaments? (like the earlier ICC Knockout tournaments). Step in the right direction, but a lot of work to do in the decade ahead.

Possible Solutions

Just like a major Asia Cup tournament, each continent should set up their own major tournament (separate from the regional qualifiers). This will ensure that there is a systematic ranking/room to grow for the newer teams in each continent, and they are not here just to make up the numbers.

Possible Pitfalls

If teams ranked at the very bottom continue to lose, they might leave the game altogether. Some sort of incentive needs to be provided to these lower ranked newer cricketing nations.

II. Standard of Cricket

5. Standardization of Pitches in Test Match Cricket

The Problem: How Can We Balance Pitches to Minimize Boring Draws and 2-Day Tests?

In the 2000s, stellar middle orders and flat pitches combined for some high scoring matches and boring draws. Over the last 5-10 years, a great crop of fast bowlers (and spinners in the subcontinent) combined with pitches suited to the home side has made 2-day and 3-day Tests a recurring event.

Possible Solutions

Keep the pitches suited to home teams with 4-Day Tests (more on this later)
Preparing pitches suited to overseas conditions in domestic cricket (example: More spin tracks – weather permitting – in England’s county circuit) or encouraging/funding spin from an age group level (How India progressively became a better fast bowling nation, England can do that in the long run).
ICC standardize the pitches across the globe.

Possible Pitfalls

The beauty of Test cricket is in its variety. If the batters cannot overcome the challenge, so be it. That is life.

6. The Toss

The Problem: Is the toss leading to too many predictable results?

It was clear in the IPL and the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE that teams winning the toss and batting second had a higher probability of winning.

The beauty of the toss is in the uncertainty, and when things start to get predictable, innovation becomes the need of the hour.

Possible Solution

Tosses impact T20Is and Test cricket more than ODIs. So, one thought is to start experimenting with various ideas (listed below and more) in T20 leagues or domestic 4-day cricket, while leaving ODI cricket the same as it is now.

Each team alternates decision to bat/bowl in a series. (If an odd number, last match is decided by a coin toss…)
The bat flip idea like the Big Bash League.
Away Teams in Tests get to choose

Possible Pitfalls

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Cricket is already complicated, why make it more complicated?

7. Bat Vs Ball Debate

The Problem: The Eternal Debate—How Can We better balance bat vs ball advantage?

This is the Riemann Hypothesis of cricket. A seemingly intuitive problem that is always up for discussion, has never been solved, and is the unproven underlying assumption that is the basis of strategy for the rest of cricket.

In limited overs cricket, the bat dominates (bigger bats, flat pitches, stronger players, etc.). In Test cricket over the last decade, the ball has dominated.

Possible Solutions

I have a truly marvelous solution to this, but the margins are too narrow to contain for my answer [Fermat’s Last Theorem].

Just kidding! Here they are:

Abolish wide behind leg side in limited overs. Small margins really do hurt the bowlers.
In Test cricket, one more review to the batting side instead of the bowling side.
In limited overs, one bowler can bowl a couple of overs more than the maximum limit of 10 overs (ODI) or 4 overs (T20I)

Possible Pitfalls

As players get physically stronger and technology increases, the balance will always remain one side or another. However, as spinners have shown in the middle overs in a T20 or fast bowlers during the death with the slower balls, adaptation of skill is required, not so much the mechanics of the bat and ball.

III. Survival of Test & ODI Cricket

8. Disparity Between Level of Performance in Test Cricket

The Problem: How can the gap between top and mid-tiered teams be reduced?

The gap between top and mid-tiered Test nations is gradually eroding confidence in Test cricket. Even though some spectacular matches in the last five years have reinvigorated Test cricket, gaps in skill level between the top sides and mid-tiered/bottom ranked teams makes for a boring viewing on the other end of the spectrum.

Social media’s pendulum swings from “Test cricket is the best format” claims to “Is Test cricket dying?” every few months.

Case and point: Men’s Ashes 2021-2022. Except for Jonny Bairstow’s 4th Test, there was absolutely no resistance. There have been several subsequent calls for the 5-Test Ashes to be reduced to a 3 or 4 match affair. If England, who play 10-15 Tests a year, are not properly utilizing resources and are behind the golden standard, how can we expect the likes of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan to compete?

Possible Solutions

Regularized international schedule should dominate bilateral agreements. Australia’s refusal to host Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and now Afghanistan (for other reasons) does not help smaller teams get the experience. The more the Top 4 countries play the mid-tiered teams, the better they will get in the long run.
Prioritizing domestic funding over white ball funding (County cricket vs white ball dominance)
Abolishment of two-Test series (The smaller countries only get to play 2 Tests while the Big 3 and South Africa gets 4-5 matches per series).
Relegation-Promotion system (details outlined below) in three brackets: Bracket A (#1-6), Bracket B (#7-12), and Bracket C (non-Test playing nations)

Also Read: Relegation & Promotion Proposal in World Test Championship: Make Test Cricket Great Again Part III

Reducing the Influence of the Big 3 | How Can the World Test Championship Improve?

Possible Pitfalls

Money, money, money. Even the World Test Champions like New Zealand cannot afford to host more than two Tests due to finances. Ideally, we would like an equal distribution of Test match cricket, but if there are no finances, there is no cricket.

9. Associate nations, the ODI Super League, and the Expansion of Test Cricket

The Problem: Lack of clarity is hurting the survival of Associate nations, the backbone of global cricket.

The ODI Super League provided Ireland and Netherlands much needed game time against the top eight teams. Ireland actually has done a pretty decent job and Netherlands’ cricketers received much needed stability, but the inexplicable cancellation of the ODI Super League has stumped many. The World Test Championship has flaws, but the ODI Super League was a step in the right direction.

Yes, T20I is the right vehicle for growth in globalization of cricket, but should teams like Ireland be alienated, who have invested in ODI cricket and want to play Test cricket?

Possible Solutions

The ICC suggested that they may trial teams like Scotland and Netherlands into Test cricket as a temporary Test status. That might be a good move if it actually happens, but here are some other solutions:

Touring Associate and new Test nations before embarking on a 4-5 Test tour (playing ODIs/T20Is vs Scotland/Netherlands & 1-off Test vs Ireland before a series in England, vs Afghanistan before India, vs PNG before NZ & Aus, Namibia/Zimbabwe vs SA). This is happening more and more with Ireland’s progress, but it is only the beginning.
Revival of the Tri-Series? Similar idea as above, but to reduce logistic and travel issues, two full members plus an Associate nation for an ODI tri-series in a common location.
Mandatory 1-2 Associate players per squad per T20 league. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Tim David, and Sandeep Lamichanne are great templates. These players will be a boon for the franchises, not a burden.

Possible Pitfalls

10. 4-Day Tests for Men, 5-Day Tests for Women?

The Problem: Making Test cricket accessible for spectators without jeopardizing the game.

The Decision Review System (DRS) and pink-ball day-night Tests have now been adopted as major innovations in the game which had resistance in the early days. In the age of technology and innovation, cricket has to find ways to re-invent itself and stay relevant every 5-10 years.

One such suggestion is 4-day Tests (plus a 5th day for rain affected games) for men’s cricket, while expanding to 5-day Tests in women’s cricket, especially since they do not play as many Tests.

Possible Solutions

Just like D/N Tests were tested one Test per series every now and then, similarly one of the Tests can be scheduled as a 4-day game (and vice-versa for women)

Possible Pitfalls

Draws. One of the major drivers for 5-matches in women’s Tests are the number of draws. This forces teams to declare early (even when they are trailing) and enforce follow-on more often. If men’s game introduces 4-day Tests, then strategies will similarly begin to change and/or draws will increase.

11. Fixes to the World Test Championship

The Problem: Test matches are now better contextualized, but a lot is still left to be desired in achieving a better system.

We have already provided several solutions for World Test Champions in our earlier articles (shown below), so here is a summary:

Number of Tests Played is uneven: In the first WTC cycle, England played 21 Tests, while West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand played 11 each. Marquee series like Ashes, Border-Gavaskar, Basil D’Oliveira Trophy, etc. are 4-5 Tests each while SL & NZ only play 2 Tests regularly.
Currently no distinction is made for Home/Away advantage: Bangladesh winning in NZ, West Indies winning in Bangladesh, India winning in Australia, or Australia drawing in England should be worth more than home wins.
All-or-Nothing System: Test matches occur over 5 days or a max-of-15 sessions. One session can have a huge impact on the series. Yet, the points are awarded on an all-or-nothing basis.

Possible Solutions

My solution is detailed in Alternative World Test Championship Points Table.

Possible Pitfalls

No system is every going to be perfect, but at least more of an attempt can be made. One of the other pitfalls is the pandemic. This has severely restricted travels between countries and longer, more straining quarantine rules. Hence, even more uneven number of Tests are begin played.

IV. Other Concerns

12. Mental Health Support & Overkill of Cricket

The Problem: Mental Health Awareness A Necessity in Today’s sport

Non-stop cricket alongside heavy quarantine is changing the commitments of a professional cricketer. It is no longer feasible to play three international formats, travel around the world, away from family, and still have a sane mental health.

Marcus Trescothick, Glenn Maxwell, and Ben Stokes are some of the many high-profile players who have taken time off the game to focus on their health. They have paved a way for many others in the future to follow. The real question is, does the cricket fraternity have the support each player needs and deserves?

Possible Solutions

Support Groups/Staff, Paid Leave
Separate teams for separate formats (Maximum of two formats per player)

Possible Pitfalls

Mental health is still looked as taboo in many cultures. Even though awareness is increasing, some players may still keep things to themselves, which is detrimental.

In addition to mental health, physical health is also a concern as more research is done on concussions in general. Concussion substitutes were a great innovation to the game, but it took the death of Phillip Hughes for the radical change. Let us make sure to be proactive before any such incidents. Injury prevention and player health should be duly monitored.

13. Spot Fixing and Associate Nations

The Problem: Match-Fixing for the Next Decade

Brendan Taylor’s story illustrates that even in the year 2022, match fixing & spot-fixing is still an issue cricket needs to be careful against. After the spot fixing that emerged from Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010 and the growth of T20 leagues, there is a lot more education and maturity in ICC’s anti-corruption unit.

However, teams like Zimbabwe and Associate nations, whose players do not earn a survivable income or cash flow from leagues, are easy targets for corruptors (as seen in the UAE). So the nature of match fixing might have changed since the 1990s, but it is still a problem that threatens the core fabric of the sport in one way or another.

Possible Solutions

The structure of the ICC anti-corruption unit and education before every major tournament shows that cricket has already matured in most of this regard. The real responsibility now lies on the players for self-reporting such approaches.

Healthy compensation for Associate players can also prevent such instances.

Possible Pitfalls

In the age of technology, new forms of corruption might appear (cyberattacks, ransomwares, NFTs?) ICC needs to be proactive and take actions earlier.

Also Read: Netflix ‘Bad Sport’ Fallen Idol Review: Must Watch for All Cricket Fans – How Will History Judge Hansie Cronje?

14. The Afghanistan Crisis

The Problem: ICC and cricket boards’ philosophical stand on the Afghanistan women’s team and the status of the men’s team.

Post the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in September, cricket’s stakeholders have been sending mixed messages. Australia rescinded their invitation to Afghanistan for a Test match due to a lack of a women’s team/Taliban’s stance on women. However, requirement for a women’s team was waived off when Afghanistan became a Full member four years ago.

The ICC allowed Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup at UAE and many Afghani players are contracted around the world despite the drama. On the other hand, Zimbabwe was not allowed to qualify for the 2019 ODI World Cup due to crisis in the Zimbabwean government.

Why are players/ sports’ teams penalized for government interference? Why is different approach taken against different countries? Who sets the precedent?

Possible Solutions

Afghanistan is a cricket-loving country, and we should not stop its growth despite political tensions. They have now qualified for their 2nd U-19 semi-finals in the last three attempts. Let the men’s team continue to blossom while promoting cricket in age levels for women’s cricket if situation allows.

Possible Pitfalls

Each country might have a different political relationship with Afghanistan, which may mean a conflict of interest. As a byproduct, the relationship between other cricket boards can get strained.

15. Player Behavior

Problem: Similar Player Behavorial Issues, Different Consequences

As players gain more power over administrators due to financial security and unions, there have been some side-effects. Players have been acting up a lot lately.

Shakib Al Hasan’s antics (not much backlash), Ollie Robinson’s tweets (socially alienated), Alex Hales & Joe Clarke (not selected in the national side), Sri Lanka’s players in England (suspended for six months), Steven Smith, David Warner, & Cameron Bancroft’s sandpaper gate ball tampering scandal (banned by Cricket Australia for 1 year), Netherlands’ ball tampering (4 matches ICC), Quinton de Kock defying teammates (kneeling and not playing) and Virat Kohli shouting at the stumps (no consequence).

Possible Solution

Digging up old tweets should be removed as a cultural practice.
For major offences, a uniform code of conduct that applies to every player regardless of the cricket board they are playing under.
An impartial body assigned to monitor and judge player behavior for uniform convictions

Possible Pitfalls

Each circumstance is different. Uniform offences might not be ideal. On the other hand, ICC vs national boards hierarchy will become muddled if ICC centralizes power.

Also Read: Gentleman’s Game No More: Shakib Al Hasan & Ollie Robinson Highlight Larger Disciplinary Issue

This is not the end. More avenues and ideas to explore for sure. Please bring in your comments. Would love to hear YOUR opinion. Thanks everyone for reading ❤ Anyway, time to go the duel or swim across the shores of France…

*Thank You Credit: In conversation with my friend, Vandit. Thanks for listening to my ideas and engaging in meaningful discussion.

Australia Women Vs India Women Series Review-Jhulan’s Joy, Tahlia’s Brilliance, and Lots of Beth Mooney

by Nitesh Mathur | Oct 16, 2021 | Article Index, India

Australia Women Vs India Women Series Review—one of the best series in recent memory.

This series had numerous memorable moments.

End of the great Australia 3-year year 26-match ODI streak
Jhulan Goswami’s controversial no-ball and last ball six
Courageous Molineux & Consistent Mooney
A Day-Night pink ball Test match
Triple Declaration in Test matches
Injury to Rachael Haynes
Shikha Pandey’s ball of the century to dismiss Alyssa Healy (Watch Video Here).
Return of Jemimah Rodrigues & Ellse Perry
Emergency of Tahlia McGrath & Georgia Wareham

At the end of a close series, Australia marched ahead in the multi-series with 4 wins & 11 points, while India languished at just 5 points, with 1 win.

India have closed gaps in all formats, but Australia are still one step ahead. Without further ado, here are some highlights from this series—Scorecards, Stats, Summaries, and Awards.

Also Read: Case For 5-Day Tests In Women’s Cricket? What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?

Results – Australia Women Vs India Women

ODI Series: Australia Win 2-1

* Player of Match

Australia Women won by 9 wickets*Darcie Brown
- Video Highlights
Australia Women won by 5 wickets*Beth Mooney
- Video Highlights
India Women won by 2 wickets*Jhulan Goswami
- Video Highlights

	Australia Women	India Women
Most Runs	Beth Mooney – 177 runs Best of 129*, 177.00 average, 89.84 SR, 100/50 – 1/1	Smriti Mandhana – 124 runs Best of 86, 41.33 average, 90.51 SR, 100/50 – 0/1
Most Wickets	Darcie Brown – 5 wickets Best of 4/33, 5.05 economy	Jhulan Goswami – 4 wickets Best of 3/37, 4.10 economy

Australia Women Vs India Women ODI Series Stats

Only Test (Day-Night): Match Drawn

Match Drawn*Smriti Mandhana
- Video Highlights

	Australia Women	India Women
Most Runs	Ellyse Perry – 69 runs Best of 68*, – average	Smriti Mandhana – 158 runs, Best of 127, 79.00 average
Most Wickets	Sophie Molineux – 3 wickets Best of 2/45, 22.66 average	Pooja Vastrakar – 4 wickets Best of 3/49, 15.50 average

Australia Women Vs India Women 2021 Test Series Stats

T20I Series: Australia Win 2-0

No Result
- Video Highlights
Australia Women won by 4 wickets*Tahlia McGrath
- Video Highlights
Australia Women won by 14 runs*Tahlia McGrath
- Video Highlights

Player of Series	Australia Women Tahlia McGrath	India Women
Most Runs	Beth Mooney – 95 runs Best of 61, 47.50 average, 120.25 SR	Jemimah Rodrigues – 79 runs Best of 49*, 39.50 average, 105.33 SR
Most Wickets	Ashleigh Gardner – 4 wickets Best of 2/28, 5.63 economy	Rajeshwari Gayakwad – 5 wickets Best of 3/21, 7.25 economy

Australia Women Vs India Women 2021 T20I Series Stats

The Moments

Embed from Getty Images

Australia Women

India saw lots of Beth Mooney. A constant source of runs for the Australian team. With scores of 59 (tour match), 125* & 52 (ODI), 34 & 61 (T20I), she was the highest run scorer across the three formats. Mooney, who had replaced Rachael Haynes in the T20I squad, has now risen to #1 ranking. Her best innings came in the 2nd ODI, taking Australia from 52/4 in the 16th over to 275/5 on the last ball. She stitched two partnerships—126 (137) with McGrath & 97* (71) with Nicola Carey.
Tahlia McGrath & Darcie Brown were the finds of the series for Australia.
- McGrath was an all-round package with contributions of 74 & 3/45, 47 & 1/46 (ODI), 28 (Test), and 42* & 44* to finish things off in the T20Is.
- Darcie Brown set the tone for Australia in the first ODI. With Perry not back at her best with the ball, Brown took responsibility with a match-winning 4/33 in only her 2nd ODI, limiting India to 225. Hannah Darlington, the debutant also chipped in with a couple of wickets.
The series cannot be summarized without the contributions of Sophie Molineux. She was consistently among the wickets and stifled India’s run rate in the middle overs, taking 11 wickets in total. The most courageous moment of the series came in the 3rd ODI when Molineux got hit in the lip and started bleeding. She went off the field, but came back with her face bandaged to finish her quota of overs. However, it could not prevent the end of the streak.

Embed from Getty Images

India Women

Jhulan Goswami might be coming to the end of her career, but she still has what it takes at the international level. In the first ODI, she scored 20 to get India to a respectable total of 225 after a brief collapse. In the 2nd ODI, her batting again came at the fore with 28* but was at the receiving end of an umpiring no-ball call which resulted in Australia’s last ball victory. Joy and sorrow within minutes. Redemption soon followed in the 3rd ODI with a player-of-the-match performance—3/37 & 8* with a last-ball six. For her all-round performance, Elyse Villani on commentary started #JusticeForJhulan to get Goswami to play T20 cricket.
Mandhana & Rodrigues came back in style after doubts on their ability. Mandhana’s 127 in the Test match and 52 in the T20I reinforced her class after a lean season. Jemimah Rodrigues was the story of The Hundred as the 2nd highest scorer with 249 runs, 3 50s, and the best innings of the tournament with that 92*. She continued her form in the T20I, scoring 49* in a rain-effected game.
With Jemimah out of the ODI side, debutant Yastika Bhatia grabbed her opportunity with scores of 35 & 64 in the ODIs. Her fluency and promotion at #3 meant India did not miss Jemimah or inured Harmanpreet Kaur much. Good foil for stalwart Mithali Raj.

Awards

	Australia Women	India Women
Emerging Player	Georgia Wareham	Yastika Bhatia
Surprise Package	Tahlia McGrath	Pooja Vastrakar
Broken Cricket Dream	Australia’s Record ODI Streak Breaks	Jhulan-Mithali’s Final Test Match?

Australia Women Vs India Women 2021 Series Awards

Where Do They Go From Here?

The much awaited ODI World Cup will commence in March 2022. Australia plays its first match against arch-rivals England on March 4th, while India begin their journey on the 5th. Here is the detailed schedule.

So what did I think of the series?

Do not go by the scoreline, but it was much closer than expected. In each match, India competed most of the game, either falling narrowly or just before the end. In the Tests, India actually dominated (if only for a 5th Day…).

However there is still a long way to go. In parallel to men’s cricket, this era of Indian-Australian rivalry resembles the early 2000s. Australia are at the top of the world across formats & have just completed a famous streak. India have a new fanbase with good shows in the recent World Cups. Their best show can defeat any team on their day, but it might still take a decade to establish a decent bench strength like Australia.

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