On this day 21 years ago, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar delivered an outstanding 98-run performance, steering India to a sensational victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan, marking their fourth successive World Cup triumph against the rival team.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a target of 274 runs for India. The contributions from their lineup were significant, with opener Saeed Anwar scoring a brilliant century (101) and Younis Khan adding a crucial 32 runs. As a result, Pakistan managed to post a competitive total of 273/7 in this high-stakes match.
Despite the immense pressure of a World Cup clash against their arch-rivals, the Indian team showcased remarkable composure. Opening the batting, Sachin Tendulkar unleashed a brilliant array of shots that not only countered the Pakistani bowlers but also set the tone for the chase. His innings included twelve boundaries and a six, epitomizing his class and aggression.
Sachin Tendulkar smashes 98 vs PAK in WC 2003
Tendulkar’s knock was particularly significant as it came against a formidable bowling attack comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar. His duel with Akhtar, in particular, stood out as a highlight of the match, with Tendulkar dominating the fast bowler and shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favor. Though he fell just short of a century, his 98 runs laid the foundation for India’s successful chase, which they completed with six wickets in hand and 26 balls to spare.
India had never chased more than 222 in a World Cup before, but Tendulkar’s incredible knock against Pakistan allowed them to achieve this milestone. India won the match by six wickets with 26 balls remaining, and Tendulkar was rightfully named Player of the Match. He dominated Pakistan’s pace trio of Akram, Akhtar, and Younis, guiding India to a stunning victory over Pakistan for the fourth time in five World Cup matches. Tendulkar’s 98 off 75 balls will be remembered as one of the greatest World Cup innings of all time.
