OTD 2010: Sachin Tendulkar Becomes First Player to Score Double Century in ODI Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar is a living legend and a massive source of inspiration for cricketers. When talent meets hard work, such stalwarts transcend the sport and become icons for generations to come. Whenever the names of the finest cricketers of all time are discussed, Tendulkar’s name has to be there. 

Like Virat Kohli summed up wonderfully following India’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph – The man has carried the hopes of an entire nation for most parts of his illustrious career, and never did he get overwhelmed by the burden of expectations.

Tendulkar called time on his career after having several world records to his name. Batters have been struggling to surpass the achievements of the Mumbai-born. However, Tendulkar has always been humble and operated with a smile. He continues to be an avid follower of the sport and often takes to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to explain his reactions to matches and players’ performances.

On that note, let us talk about the match where the Master Blaster became the first double centurion in ODI history. He achieved this monumental feat in the second ODI against South Africa at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior on February 24, 2010. 

After MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bat first, Virender Sehwag was out in the fourth over at the individual score of 9. However, Tendulkar went from strength to strength and added a 194-run stand with Dinesh Karthik. After the latter was dismissed for 79, Yusuf Pathan joined Tendulkar in the middle. The Baroda all-rounder smashed 36 off 23 balls, while Tendulkar continued his phenomenal effort. 

Once Yusuf departed for a 23-ball 36, it was time for MS Dhoni to walk out to the middle. The Indian captain showed no mercy on the South African bowlers as he scored an unbeaten 68 off 35 balls. However, the world was talking about Tendulkar, who smashed an unbeaten 200 off 147 deliveries. He belted a whopping 25 fours and three sixes. finishing with a strike rate of 136.05.  The Men in Blue posted 401/3 in their 20 overs. 

Chasing a mammoth score in the second innings, South Africa lost the wicket of Herschelle Gibbs early, and India kept breaking partnerships wonderfully well. AB de Villiers fought a lone war and remained unbeaten on 114 off 101 balls. However, the Proteas were bowled out for just 248 in 42.5 overs.

“I don’t know how to react to this. I would like to dedicate this to the people of India who have always stood behind me for these 20 years amid the ups and downs. I was striking the ball and timing the ball well, it was coming on to the bat nicely. Yusuf came and changed the momentum, and MS really struck the ball well; it was due to their big hitting that we were able to put up such a big score,” Tendulkar said in the post-match press conference.

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