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Chennai Super Kings on Sunday celebrated Sachin Tendulkar's 49th birthday by recalling the 1998 tri-series epic final against Australia in Sharjah that saw the legendary cricketer play one of his finest knocks ever.
It was on this day in Sharjah on the occasion of his 25th birthday that the rampant 'Little Master' put on a show of batting masterclass against the likes of Australia's Damien Fleming, Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne, smashing them for 12 boundaries and three towering sixes, en route to his match-winning knock of 134 off 131 balls.
Thousands of fans, present and former cricketers and noted celebrities across the world took to social media to congratulate Tendulkar on his birthday. But on the occasion, CSK recollected the masterful innings that will remain etched in every cricket fan's mind for decades to come.
After a terrific 143 off just 131 balls against the same opposition in the penultimate ODI of the tournament, India faced Australia again in the final. Half-centuries from Steve Waugh (70) and Darren Lehman (70) helped the Australians set a 273-run target for India to take the cup.
Sourav Ganguly opened the batting alongside an in-form Sachin and the pair took off in no time, taking India off to a decent start before Fleming dismissed the left-hand batter. Joined by Nayan Mongia in the middle, Tendulkar added a steady 89-run partnership and reached his half-century off 47 deliveries. Tendulkar and skipper Mohammad Azharuddin, who followed next ensured India never went out of the chase as the batters kept the scorecard moving on par with the required run rate.
Tendulkar's classy knock hit three figures in the 37th over as he reached his 15th ODI hundred. This was his second ODI hundred on the trot in less than 48 hours. The Little Master's stunning effort with the bat ended after Kasprowicz caught him leg-before off the third ball of the 45th over.
"The applause at the end of the knock did not stop as almost every fan knew that they had witnessed a once in an era knock by the Little Master. Azharuddin's 58, Ajay Jadeja (11 not out) and Hrishikesh Kanitkar (6 not out) saw the game through for India. His battle with the -best spinner in the world, the late Shane Warne, will still be fresh in the memories of every Indian cricket fan," CSK wrote.
The whistles and Yellove for this man will never end! Super Birthday to you, Master Blaster! 💛 (5/5)#HappyBirthdaySachin #WhistlePodu 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 24, 2022
📸 : @BCCI pic.twitter.com/slk1bBYceH
Former cricketer Parthiv Patel congratulated Tendulkar and said, "Happy Birthday to the man @sachin_rt who is synonyms to Cricket. To the Legend that inspired millions and paved way for a legacy that continues to shine."
Happy Birthday to the man @sachin_rt who is synonyms to Cricket. To the Legend that inspired millions and paved way for a legacy that continues to shine. #HappyBirthdaySachinTendulkar pic.twitter.com/LAwRfd0E9d
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) April 24, 2022
Royal Challengers Bangalore wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik tweeted, "There are greats, there are legends and then there is @sachin_rt. Wishing you a very happy birthday. #HappyBirthdaySachin."
Here’s wishing a true legend of World Cricket and the man who carried a billion dreams on his shoulders for a couple of decades, @sachin_rt, a very happy birthday! 🤩🙌🏻#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #RCB #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/3BKneBS09c
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 24, 2022
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a collage of pictures of Tendulkar and tweeted, "A benchmark for all batsmen who followed him, and an inspiration for generations to come. Happy Birthday, @sachin_rt."
A benchmark for all batsmen who followed him, and an inspiration for generations to come 🧡
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 24, 2022
Happy Birthday, @sachin_rt!
📸: PTI/Getty Images #HappyBirthdaySachin #OrangeArmy #ReadyToRise #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/tvna1qNFrY
Punjab Kings skipper Mayank Agarwal posted an image on him with Tendulkar an tweeted, "Happy Birthday sachin_rt paaji! You are an inspiration... your humility is admirable, your guidance invaluable. It's always a pleasure to spend time with you and learn more about the game."
Happy Birthday @sachin_rt paaji! You are an inspiration… your humility is admirable, your guidance invaluable. It’s always a pleasure to spend time with you and learn more about the game. pic.twitter.com/J0E3eRequ2
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) April 24, 2022
Here are some other wishes for the master blaster:
A most auspicious day when someone of your goodness and talent came into this world, @sachin_rt.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 24, 2022
May all your wishes be fulfilled far beyond your wildest dreams and may you live a healthy, prosperous and inspiring life filled with love. #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/IUIzCHJ6BL
A true legend & an even better human being. Wish you a very happy birthday @sachin_rt. God bless! pic.twitter.com/FPJQmZwm40
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 24, 2022
6⃣6⃣4⃣ international matches
— BCCI (@BCCI) April 24, 2022
3⃣4⃣,3⃣5⃣7⃣ international runs
1⃣0⃣0⃣ international tons
2⃣0⃣1⃣ international wickets
Here's wishing the ever-so-inspirational & legendary @sachin_rt a very happy birthday. 🎂 👏 🙌 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/d70JoSnJd8