Sachin Tendulkar scored 200 runs not out, yesterday in a one-day international (ODI) cricket game, India versus South Africa.  The little master batted his way past the previous record of 194 held by Anwar and Coventry, to become the first man to score a double century in an ODI.

The Little Master at work

Tendulkar needed all his skill and guile to get to this landmark figure. Using the pace of the ball off the last overs to help him score boundaries.  He hit the record breaking runs off the last over, as India posted a massive total of 401.   Although the Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior, India does not have the longest boundaries, it is still a marvel that he managed this feat considering the relatively strong opposition.  South Africa could only manage 248 in reply, with AB de Villiers top scoring and getting left stranded on 114 not out.

The Little Master craft-fully and masterfully stroked, caressed, bludgeoned and glided the ball around the field.  His timing of the ball was superb yesterday and his ability to pace his innings to survive until the end. I bet the weary South Africans will not be looking forward to bowling at Sachin in tomorrow’s game!

To play any one-day game in India is an experience as the frenzied crowd gets carried away with the entertainment.  But yesterday the atmosphere in the stadium must have been incredible as the Indian cricketing hero broke the record!