When Sachin Tendulkar Slammed 51st Test Ton Against South Africa in Cape Town
Sachin Tendulkar scored 146 in third Test at Cape Town [X.com]
With the series level 1-1, both South Africa and India went into the third and final Test at Cape Town with an equal glimmer of hope of clinching the three-match series.
A Jacques Kallis-inspired South Africa put up 362 runs on the board in their first innings, with the all-rounder scoring 161.
When Sachin hammered his 51st Test ton
India, who began its innings on Day 2, found themselves in trouble with Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid back in the hut, which witnessed Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar start the consolidation work.
However, the groundwork was set for Tendulkar to showcase his class and authority, once again who was nearing the last leg of his career.
Day 3 (Jan 4) witnessed an intriguing battle between Tendulkar and Dale Steyn, where both players gave their 110 percent and exited Test cricket of the highest calibre. Tendulkar reached his 50 runs in 109 balls, which had a more grafting approach to it.
Tendulkar absorbed all that Steyn offered, whereas other batters failed to put bat to bowl.
Once, Steyn went out of the attack, Tendulkar took full advantage and started scoring more freely, bringing out all the exquisite shots. As wickets tumbled at one end, Tendulkar worked his way to his 51st Test ton, which came off 213 balls and included 12 fours and one six.
The legend then took charge and ensured the Indian tail wagged, and ensured India got as close as possible to South Africa's score. Tendulkar stitched a crucial 76-stand with Harbhajan Singh, where he contributed 33, but faced spells by Steyn and Morne Morkel shielding his partner.
With the field spread, Tendulkar started employing cheeky shots, which yielded runs and kept the scoreboard ticking.
The master's final Test century came to a halting end on 146 when Morkel rattled Tendulkar's stumps, brining his marathon 314-ball knock to a close.
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The 50-year-old went to play another 23 Tests for India, and finished his 24-year-old with 200 red-ball matches, which included 51 centuries, and 68 fifties.
 "Vishal Mehra")
