- Sachin Tendulkar (1998-2009) – 441 runs (1 century and 1 half century)
With an aggregate of 441 runs from 14 innings (twice unbeaten) at an average of 36.75, at a strike rate of 78.75, coupled with a century and a half-century, Sachin Tendulkar remains the third Indian highest run-scorer in the tournament history. His best individual contribution of 141 runs is the second highest individual score after Ganguly’s unbeaten 141*.
Sachin’s personal best score was achieved in the third quarter-final encounter against Australia, played on 28th October, 1998, at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka.
Put into bat, India lost their key opener, Saurav Ganguly (1) and skipper Mohd Azharuddin (0), very early in the match with just 8 runs on the board. Tendulkar took over charge and alongwith Rahul Dravid, added a very valuable 140 runs in 23.2 overs for the third wicket, before Dravid departed after contributing a very valuable 48 runs, facing 80 deliveries and with the help of 3 fours.
Later, partnering Ajay Jadeja (71, 85m, 65b, 4*5, 6*1), Sachin added 132 runs for the fourth wicket in 19 overs. Playing an innings of 191 minutes, facing 128 deliveries, Sachin notched up 141 runs, studded with 13 hits to the fence and 3 beyond, before being ‘run out’.
Sachin’s innings alongwith his partnerships with Dravid and Ajay Jadeja helped India ended their innings at 307 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Chasing a target of 308 runs, Aussies’ innings folded up with just 263 runs on the board in 48.1 overs and India won the game by 44 runs.
Sachin also had an impressive bowling analysis in the match, picking up 4 wickets, giving away 38 runs in 9.1 overs.
