NEW DELHI: Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar‘s performances against Pakistan are some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. His battles with Pakistan’s fierce bowling attack, featuring legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar, have become iconic.
Sachin Tendulkar‘s innings in the 1999 Chennai Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium against Pakistan is remembered as one of his most valiant and heartbreaking performances.
This Test was part of Pakistan’s tour of India in 1999, which also marked the resumption of bilateral series between the two countries after almost a decade. It was an emotionally charged series with high expectations from both sides.
In the first innings, Tendulkar was dismissed for a duck by Saqlain Mushtaq as India posted a modest total of 254.
In the second innings, with India chasing a target of 271 for victory, Tendulkar played a heroic knock.
Tendulkar came in to bat with India in trouble at 6/2. The situation worsened as India lost more wickets, and they were reduced to 82/5.
Battling against Pakistan’s world-class bowling attack of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Saqlain Mushtaq, Tendulkar put together a crucial partnership with Nayan Mongia (52) to resurrect India’s chances.
Sachin batted with extreme patience, displaying a blend of defense and aggression, especially against Saqlain Mushtaq, who had dismissed him in the first innings. However, during his knock, Sachin was suffering from severe back spasms, making it even more remarkable.
Tendulkar reached his century under immense pressure and brought India to within touching distance of victory. His 136 was a masterclass in handling pressure and tackling a quality attack on a deteriorating pitch.
With India needing just 17 more runs to win, Sachin was dismissed by Saqlain Mushtaq, caught by Wasim Akram at mid-off trying to loft a delivery over the infield. His wicket turned the tide of the game.
After Sachin’s dismissal, India lost their last three wickets for just four runs, collapsing from 254/6 to 258 all out, falling short of the target by just 12 runs.
In a viral video, former BCCI president the late Raj Singh Dungarpur, who played a key role in Tendulkar’s early career and development and as chairman of selectors had selected Tendulkar for India’s tour of Pakistan in 1989 he was just 16 years old, recalls what happened after the Chennai Test when Sachin didn’t come to collect his Man of the Match award.
Dungarpur says, “I came down to the dressing room, I think it’s fair for me to say he was weeping like a school boy. I kept on telling him, ‘why are you taking the whole blame on yourself, by then we had lost the match. You made impossible possible by playing this great innings.’ He said ‘no sir, I have lost this match’.”
Dungarpur continues, “We were at the podium, I think very few times you get the Man of the Match on the losing side. He got the Man of the Match on the losing side. From the podium I signaled to Anshuman Gaekwad, the coach of the Indian team, and asked where is he (Tendulkar). He said ‘not coming’. I think that’s what commitment is all about.”
Pakistan’s win was hailed as one of their finest, and Saqlain Mushtaq’s five-wicket haul in the second innings, including the crucial wicket of Tendulkar, was instrumental. Tendulkar was left devastated after the match, sitting alone in the dressing room for hours after the game ended.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Sachin Tendulkar’s 136 is considered one of his greatest innings. He single-handedly brought India to the brink of victory, battling both the opposition and his own physical pain.
Tendulkar’s decision to play through severe back pain showcased his dedication and fighting spirit and this knock cemented Tendulkar’s reputation as a master of tough situations and a cricketer who could take on the best bowling attacks under immense pressure.
Though India lost the match, Tendulkar’s effort remains legendary, demonstrating his resilience and class in one of the most dramatic Test matches between India and Pakistan.