THE DESERT STORM

 

Image Credit- Firstpost.

Venue- Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah [April 22, 1998].

One of cricket's most famous performances took place in the scorching heat of April 1998 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. This series would later be dubbed "Desert Storm."  Cricketing legends were being created at the moment, and Sachin Tendulkar gave a performance that would go down in the history books.  India's cricketing great, Sachin Tendulkar, achieved his peak with a brilliant innings of 143 off 130 balls against the finest in the world in the middle of a desert where temperatures soar that the heat can be felt through shoes and socks. For Indian cricket fans, Tendulkar's magnificent performance is still remembered 27 years after.

The game was a part of the Coca-Cola Cup, which is a triangular series between Australia, New Zealand, and India. Prior to this game, New Zealand had only won one of their four games and appeared to be eliminated from the tournament, with net run rate serving as their only remaining hope. India had only won one of their previous three games. Australia had won all three of its games, earning a spot in the finals. For India, the game was crucial since a win would guarantee their place as Australia's opponents in the championship match. The net run rate might have destroyed the Men in Blue's prospects of winning the trophy in the event of a defeat.

Even though Venkatesh Prasad scored 2/41 in his 8 overs, Australia ultimately built up a daunting total of 284 for 7 in their 50 overs. One of the best finishers in history, Michael Bevan, helped the Australians to a high total with 101 off 103 balls.

Tendulkar responded with what is considered to be one of the greatest knocks ever made in a One-Day International. Tendulkar attacked everyone and spared no one in the face of a strong Australian attack that included players like Shane Warne, Michael Kasprowicz, Damien Fleming, and Tom Moody.

That day, Sharjah was attacked by two sand storms: the real one that stopped play and gave India a revised target of 276 in 46 overs, and the symbolic one that came off Sachin's bat and nearly destroyed the powerful Australians. Fleming completed a masterclass with an innings of 143 off 131, but Tendulkar was unable to lead India over the finish line, as India's scoreboard read 242/5. Although India required 34 runs from 18 balls to win the match, the remaining batters were only able to score 8 runs in the final 3 overs, giving Australia a 26-run victory. However, his 143 off 131 increased India's net run rate, giving them an advantage over the Kiwis, as New Zealand is known, and if Australia were to sweep the points table with four straight victories, even India would have a chance to compete against the powerful Aussies for the Coca-Cola Trophy. India advanced to the championship finals thanks to an increase in their net-run rate.

On April 24, Tendulkar's 25th birthday, the final was held. In their 50 overs, Australia managed to reach a score of 272/9. On his birthday, Tendulkar produced another outstanding performance, chasing down the target in 48.3 overs and winning the Coca-Cola Cup with 134 off 131 deliveries. Tendulkar's exploits during the Sharjah series are frequently regarded as some of the best in one-day cricket history. His innings demonstrated both his skill and his capacity to perform well under duress. Tendulkar is still regarded as one of the best cricket players of all time, and the "Desert Storm" serves as a reminder of his brilliance. Last but not least, Tony Greig's analysis during this game made this inning sound like a masterpiece. 

To watch the Highlights of that Innings, Click Here.