DHAKA: Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries on Friday.
Tendulkar, who had been stuck on 99 centuries for a year, reached the milestone in the Asia Cup when he hit to square leg and ran a single against Bangladesh.
He hardly celebrated, with the Bangladesh fielders seemingly more excited than the "Little Master" as they congratulated the best batsman of the modern era. He was finally out for 114, to a great over-the-head catch at long off by Mushfiqur Rahim.
His innings included a dozen boundaries and a six over wide long-on.
Tendulkar already holds most of the major batting records, including most runs and centuries in both five-day tests and one-day internationals.
Tendulkar’s 100th century has been tensely anticipated since he scored two 100s at last year’s cricket World Cup, increasing his total to 99. He has twice been out in the 90s in pursuit of the milestone. He scored 91 during India’s tour of England last year and 94 at home to West Indies in November.
It’s a record unlikely to be surpassed in his lifetime, with his closest rival, Ricky Ponting on 71 international centuries, approaching the twilight of his career at the age of 37.
Tendulkar’s batting prowess has often led to comparisons with Australian great Donald Bradman, who retired with an average of 99.94 runs.
Even Bradman has said Tendulkar, who made his debut as a curly haired 16-year-old, reminded him of his own playing style.
"Not even Don Bradman carried expectations like this, and Sachin had been bearing it since 1989," former India coach and Australia captain Greg Chappell wrote in his recent autobiography.(Source: Associated Press)
