India vs Australia: Revisiting Sachin Tendulkar's Desert Storm in Sharjah
What's the story
On April 22, 1998, the cricketing world witnessed one of the most iconic ODI innings ever played - Sachin Tendulkar's 'Desert Storm' in Sharjah. The then 24-year-old batter tormented the Australian bowlers that day and single-handedly powered India to the final of the Coca-Cola Cup. His remarkable performance not only showcased his batting prowess but also significantly raised India's hopes of clinching the tournament title.
Impact
Tendulkar's innings defined aspirations of an entire generation
Tendulkar's 'Desert Storm' wasn't just a match-winning performance, it was a defining moment for Indian cricket. His dominance over Australian spin wizard Shane Warne in this innings made him arguably the best contemporary batsman in the world. This legendary knock inspired an entire generation of cricketers, including Virat Kohli, who later admitted that it sparked his excitement for chasing totals.
Challenge
The match was interrupted by a sandstorm
The match, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, was marred by an unexpected challenge as a sandstorm interrupted play for 25 minutes. Australia had set a challenging target of 284 runs in their 50 overs, courtesy Michael Bevan's century and Mark Waugh's explosive 81-run innings. However, due to the storm-induced delay, India's target was revised to 276 runs in just 46 overs.
Performance
Tendulkar's innings was a display of sheer determination
Despite losing early wickets, Tendulkar's indomitable spirit came to the fore as he scored his then-highest ODI score of 143 runs off 131 balls. His innings comprised nine boundaries and five sixes, reflecting his fearless batting style. Although India lost the match by 26 runs, they progressed to the final owing to a better net run rate than New Zealand.
DYK
The one-man show
While Tendulkar made 143, Nayan Mongia (35) was the only other Indian to cross the 30-run mark that day. This highlights the impact of the opener's knock. Besides Warne, the likes of Michael Kasprowicz and Tom Moody had to face his wrath.
Statement
Warne admitted that he saw Tendulkar's innings in his nightmares
Warne, who was at the receiving end of Tendulkar's brilliance during this innings, later admitted that he saw this innings in his nightmares. Meanwhile, Tendulkar had recalled that the force of the wind in Sharjah even made players difficult to stand. "Gilchrist was the only one next to me and I just wanted to hold on to him. Such was the force of the wind," he had told Sportstar.
Heroics
Tendulkar replicated his heroics
India again met Australia in the final and fans got to witness another Sachin Tendulkar special in Sharjah. This time he made 134 off 131 balls as the Men in Blue accomplished the 273-run target in the penultimate over. India hence famously won the Coca-Cola Cup and Tendulkar walked away with the Player-of-the-Series honor for scoring 435 runs across five innings.