New Delhi: What the cricketing world witnessed 28 years back on the traditional TV screens was unfathomable, a rarely-seen moment in the sport in those times. We, as cricket lovers, had seen some great innings in 50-over cricket. Exciting though they were, nothing could match what legendary Sachin Tendulkar conjured in Sharjah in 1998, leaving the cricket lovers spellbound.
Back then, Indian cricket relied heavily on Tendulkar, and it was very rarely seen that the Mumbai batter, standing at 5’4 feet, disappointed the cricket-crazy nation. Tendulkar demonstrated a plethora of single-handed efforts to rescue his side all through his career, but the 1998 Sharjah Desert Storm was a double exhibition of batting fearlessness.
Many argue that boldness was imparted in the Indian cricketing genes after the advent of the 21st century, but few, including me, affirm that it was present in the late 20th century as well, after seeing the twin explosion from the Master Blaster.
Revered as the ‘God of Cricket’, Tendulkar made billions of fans sad after bidding adieu to the sport 13 years back, and as the legend turns 53 today, we look at one of the greatest knocks in world cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar Desert Storm
The Coca-Cola Cup in 1998, a triangular series involving India, Australia and New Zealand, featured many of the greatest talents in world cricket back then. The month of April in the desert land witnessed temperatures soaring above the normal, but the extreme heat and a literal sandstorm did not deter the intentions of arguably the greatest cricketer to have ever graced the stage.
Tendulkar mesmerised one and all with two back-to-back ODI innings for India against the mighty Australian side on April 22 and April 24 (his birthday). Chasing a formidable 285 in the first of the two crucial matches against the Aussies, Tendulkar showcased a masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 143 off just 131 balls against the world’s toughest bowlers.
On This Day. Sachin desert storm came on 22 April 1998. One of the best ever innings in ODI cricket 🔥pic.twitter.com/wOt4G0Jzz7
— VIKASH KUMAR (@vkc1000) April 22, 2026
Tendulkar masterclass against mighty Aussies
India required 254 runs to cross New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the finale of the three-nation Cup, but a sandstorm disrupted the play for about half an hour. After the break, the target was revised to 276 for a win in 46 overs and 237 to qualify for the final in 46 overs. Tendulkar ensured the final qualification with utmost precision and was on target to take India to a win, but he lost his wicket.
Exactly two days later, India faced almost a similar task of chasing 245 runs to lift the trophy, and Tendulkar came up with another breathtaking knock, and what made it even more special was his 25th birthday. He smashed 134 runs of 131 balls to fashion India’s 6-wicket victory, showcasing his prowess to deliver under pressure against a high-quality side.