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Often referred to as the God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar is a name that resonates with cricket fans across the globe. With a career spanning more than two decades, he’s left an indelible mark on the sport, amassing numerous records and accolades. Recently, Sachin graced the opening ceremony of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and was bestowed with the honour of bringing the coveted trophy to the field.
In addition to his ceremonial duties, Sachin also joined the commentary panel for the opening match between England and New Zealand. It was during one of these moments that he shared his favourite World Cup match, one that surprisingly wasn’t from the iconic 2011 World Cup triumph but from the 2003 edition.
Sachin Tendulkar’s remarkable legacy
Sachin’s name is synonymous with cricketing excellence. The Master Blaster has a staggering 34,357 international runs to his name with 100 centuries across formats, and his contribution to the game is unmatched.
Apart from this, Sachin was part of six World Cup editions during his illustrious career, including the unforgettable 2011 World Cup victory on home soil. However, when asked to pick his favourite World Cup match, he took a trip down memory lane to the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
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Sachin picks his favourite ODI World Cup match
Sachin’s favourite World Cup match is the electrifying clash that took place between India and Pakistan at Centurion during the 2003 World Cup. In that match, Sachin delivered a blistering performance, scoring 98 runs off just 75 deliveries and helped India emerge victorious with four overs to spare despite Pakistan having some fiery pacers by their side in the form of Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram and others. The match was a testament to Sachin’s unwavering composure and his ability to thrive under intense pressure.
Sachin’s dream run in 2003 by the bittersweet ending
It is also worth mentioning that the 2003 World Cup was a dream tournament for Sachin. Throughout the edition, he was in sublime form, amassing a staggering 673 runs, the highest by any batter in a single World Cup edition. His consistency and ability to play match-winning innings made him ‘Player of the Tournament.’
Despite Sachin’s heroics in the 2003 World Cup, India couldn’t secure the coveted trophy. They reached the final but fell short against Australia. It was a bittersweet moment in Sachin’s career as he missed out on the ultimate prize even after such a great performance.
