Sachin Tendulkar’s 5 greatest bowling performances

Not a single cricket fan is unaware of the name “Sachin Tendulkar”. Popularly known as Master Blaster, he has worked hard for meeting the expectations of millions of people from the country he plays for, India. He has innumerable records to his name and some of these are almost unbreakable. After giving his heart out for 24 long years without a single break, the “God of cricket” is about to retire. Though there is no question about his immense talent, he does not sit down and expects that he will go out and create history. He leaves no stones unturned to make sure that he stays fit throughout the year and never falls short of practice. As quoted by his wife Mrs Anjali Tendulkar, he takes care of his diet even when he is out on a holiday with his family. Such is the greatness of this cricketing legend. Even before his last test, he made sure that he concentrated hard on his practice. Many have seen him blast bowlers from different parts of the world for sixes and boundaries at ease. However, very few are acquainted with the magic he has shown with the ball. Yes, the maestro is capable of off breaks, leg breaks, googlies as well as medium fast. He has the reputation of breaking the toughest of partnerships at the most crucial times.

• 3-31 against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Kolkata, 2001- The game which does not need to need a mention if you are die hard Indian cricket fan. A match in which India defeated the mighty Australians after Dravid and Laxman made significant contributions. Though the game was headed for a draw till lunch on the fifth day, it was Harbhajan and Sachin’s classic bowling performances which brought everyone sitting in the packed Eden Gardens to their feet.

• 4-54 against Bangladesh In Dhaka, 2004- A mighty total wasn’t enough for Sachin as he decided to destroy the Bangladesh fight back after the Indian pacers had restricted the home team to 150-5 in 30 overs. Sachin claimed the wickets of Rajen Saleh, Khaled Mashud, Mahmud and Mortaza.

• 4-38 against Australia in Wills International Cup in Dhaka, 1998- Australia was beaten by India, more specifically by Tendulkar. After scoring a mighty 141 off 128 balls with the help of 13 fours and 3 sixes, the master took the wickets of Damien Martyn, Michael Bevan, Brad Young and Steve Waugh. The figures were important because Australia was in a good position at around 170 after almost 30 overs.

• 5-50 against Pakistan in Kochi, 2005- After taking 5-wicket haul against Australia, Sachin took a second one in this match, making up for his minor contribution of 4 runs. Pakistan was struggling after being reduced to 4-64 but steadied by a partnership between Hafeez and Inzamam. That is when Sachin took claimed Inzamam, Hafeez, Afridi, Sami and Razzaq as his victims.

• 5-32 against Australia in Pepsi Triangular Series in Kochi, 1998- The Australians were in a very good position after racing to 0-100 in 11 overs and then to 3-203 after 31 overs. However, they were brought down to 9-259 due to some unbelievable bowling performance from Tendulkar.