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Today In 2012, Sachin Became 1st To Score 100 International 100s. The Record Stands Even Now

March 16, 2012. India and Bangladesh were facing off in the Asia Cup. But the focus of interest was something else. The crowd, the whole of India and possibly the entire cricketing world was looking towards Dhaka. Why? Because the Master Blaster was on the verge of creating history.

Sachin Tendulkar had made 50, he had inched past 75 and was soon into the 80s. A hundred was on the cards. But this was not just any hundred, it was going to be his 100th international century. That’s right, the man had 99 to his name – 51 in Tests and 48 in ODIs. Now he was going to score a century of centuries. It is a big feat in First Class cricket, but something unheard of at international level. 

But there was cause for worry. What if he did not make it? His last international ton had come 1 year and 4 days ago vs South Africa in the World Cup. Since then he got close at least 3 times. He made 85 vs Pakistan in the World Cup semis, 94 vs West Indies in the home Test series and then 80 in Australia. At all times he looked set for it, the media and fans were prepped to soak it in, but he flattered to deceive. Would be break the jinx now? 

He strode into the 90s, soon crossed 95 and this was the closest he had gotten in his attempts at immortality. Finally he made it to 99 and got back the strike. A nation waited in anticipation and the world watched as the little champion looked to add another feather to his cap. The man already had most batting records under his name but this was a milestone nobody had breached. Sachin was the first to achieve many milestones. Be it 10,000 ODI runs, 50 Test Tons, 20 ODI hundreds, 12,000 Test runs or an ODI 200, he loves to get there first. Well, now was the chance of doing it again. 

Then it happened! Sachin played the ball away and crossed for the single. He had done it! The crowd rose as one, the dressing room applauded, the Bangladeshis congratulated him and a nation rejoiced. Sachin’s relief was visible. It had taken him 369 days and 34 innings to get there, the longest stint for him between centuries. It was a slow innings by his standards but he had finally made it. India could heave a sigh of relief as the monkey was off his back. 

He finished with 114 from 147 balls with 12 fours and 1 six. India made 289/5 but could not defend it and lost by 5 wickets. This would prove to be Sachin’s last international hundred and also his second last ODI innings. He retired from the format in December of that year. 

 Sachin’s farewell to international cricket came in November 2013. In his last innings he made 74. Over the years he had broken and set many records and reached several milestones. This one took the longest to come and possibly extended his career for the extra couple of years as he wanted it badly. Well, 8 years on, we remember this day as when the Master Blaster climbed Mount 100. It is a record that stands to this day as nobody else has gotten close.
  

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