20 years back on 22nd April 1998, Sachin Tendulkar produced a magical 143 runs against a strong Australian bowling line up in the 6th match of Coca-Cola Cup played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The third team in the tournament was New Zealand.
Australia had won all their 4 matches in the league stage. India and New Zealand won only 1 match. In the 6th match, Australian captain Steve Waugh won the toss, elected to bat first. Mark Waugh 81, Michael Bevan 101 not out, Darren Lehmann 26 helped Australia post 284 for 7 in 50 overs.
Chasing 285, the Indian cricket team needed 254 to qualify for the finals. Sandstorm arrived and stopped the play for 25 minutes when the score was 143 for 4. After the break, India needed 237 runs to qualify for the finals. After the desert storm, Men in Blue were left to chase 133 in 15 overs. They had been given a revised target of 276 in 46 overs. Sachin Tendulkar started the innings on a great note putting the pressure on top quality Australian bowling line up.
The little master showed great positive intent smashing top bowlers like Michael Kasprowicz, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, Tom Moody and Steve Waugh. Sachin Tendulkar completed his 14th ODI century taking 2 runs and continued to bat with great authority. The master blaster took India into the finals of the Coca-Cola Cup.
He was dismissed for 143 off 131 balls with 9 fours and 5 sixes. India scored 250 for 5 in 46 overs and fell short by 26 runs. His innings was against a top quality Australian lineup. In the finals too, Sachin Tendulkar played a brilliant knock scoring 134 off 131 balls with 12 fours and 3 sixes. India won the match by 6 wickets, chasing a massive total of 272 for 9 recorded by Australia.
Sachin Tendulkar finished the tournament with 435 runs in 5 matches and helped Team India win the tournament. He was backbone Indian batting for quite a long time.
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