One of the greatest batsmen to have ever played the game, Sachin Tendulkar went past 15,000 runs in one day international on this day in 2007. Sachin, who was also the first to score 10000 ODI runs, zoomed past the mark when he scored a half-century against South Africa in the second ODI in Belfast.
Sachin Tendulkar has been one of the finest batsmen that India has ever produced. Tendulkar had made his debut in Test cricket on November 15, 1989. In the same year on December 18, he played his first ODI match.
The legendary cricketer has the most number of runs in the longest format of the game, amassing 15,921 runs. Along the way, Tendulkar scored 51 Test centuries, most by any player. Things are no different in ODI cricket as Tendulkar atop the list of most runs in this format as well. He has accumulated 18,426 runs in ODI which includes 49 tons.
Sachin Tendulkar in 2007:
The year 2007 did not get off to a very promising start for the Indian team as they were knocked out of the World Cup in the first round itself. However, the side rallied back and gave a great glimpse of their ability in the ODI series against South Africa and continued this form to the series against England. Sachin was slowly getting back to his groove and in this match, he showed his complete range.
After losing the first match of the series, India needed to be at their best in this must-win clash. The side was chasing 228 to win, and along with Sourav Ganguly, Tendulkar took on the South African bowling attack. The openers added 134 runs for the first wicket.
In an anti-climax of sorts, Sachin went past the 15K barrier with an overthrow and then kept entertaining by unleashing a number of crisp drives off Andrew Hall. He looked set to cruise all the way to a century, but the innings were cut short by Thandi Shabalala. Sachin was dismissed for 93 and in the process. India chased the target down in 49 overs and leveled the series.
Tendulkar represented the country in six World Cups during his career that lasted for 24 years. He was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad.
