On This Day (June 29): 15,000 for Sachin, a First in ODI History

Tendulkar, alongside Sourav Ganguly, provided India with a scintillating start, forging a 134-run partnership for the first wicket, setting the foundation for India's successful chase.

On this day, 17 years ago, we recall Tendulkar's remarkable achievement of surpassing 15,000 runs in one-day internationals (ODIs). Tendulkar's resurgence in the twilight years of his career began with the ODI series against South Africa. In the first match of the Future Cup, he crafted a brilliant 99-run knock. Despite his valiant effort, South Africa emerged victorious, winning the game by four wickets.

Early career and records

Throughout his illustrious career, marked by numerous record-breaking feats, Sachin Tendulkar achieved another milestone by becoming the first cricketer to surpass 15,000 runs in one-day internationals. Previously, he was also the first to reach 10,000 ODI runs. Tendulkar crossed this historic mark while scoring a half-century against South Africa in the second ODI held in Belfast.

Sachin Tendulkar plays a shot drive the on-side

Opening match of the Future Cup

The year 2007 began sourly for Sachin Tendulkar, with India facing an early exit from the World Cup in the West Indies. However, Tendulkar's resurgence in the latter part of his career began soon after, during the ODI series against South Africa. In the opening match of the Future Cup, Tendulkar narrowly missed a century, scoring 99 runs. He struck 13 boundaries and launched two sixes during his innings. Despite his efforts, India lost the match by four wickets, but this series marked the beginning of Tendulkar's remarkable revival.

Sachin Tendulkar reaches his half-century and raises his bat in celebration.

Tendulkar's timeless class

Tendulkar showcased his timeless class in a crucial do-or-die match, delivering a match-winning knock of 93 runs. Chasing a target of 228, Tendulkar rolled back the years with a dazzling batting display. The fierce pull shots, once a hallmark of his batting, reappeared with a vengeance, particularly against Makhaya Ntini, who bore the brunt of Tendulkar's assault. He scored 23 runs through the region between square leg and midwicket. Tendulkar, alongside Sourav Ganguly, provided India with a scintillating start, forging a 134-run partnership for the first wicket, setting the foundation for India's successful chase.

Surpassing 15,000 runs

Andre Nel, one of South Africa's most formidable bowlers, initially troubled both batsmen with his pace and aggression. However, he made a crucial error by bowling a short delivery to Tendulkar, who instinctively seized the opportunity, dispatching the ball over square leg for a resounding six. With a fortunate overthrow, Tendulkar surpassed the 15,000-run milestone in ODIs, marking the occasion with delightful and authoritative drives against Andrew Hall. Although he was dismissed in the 32nd over, his contributions laid the foundation for India's successful chase, ultimately securing victory by six wickets. Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik ensured India crossed the finishing line.

Wisden Cricketer of the Year Award

Tendulkar's peak in batting form continued as he amassed 2149 runs in ODIs between 2008 and 2011, accompanied by seven centuries. In 2010, he became the first cricketer to score a double century in a 50-over format. His stellar performances earned him the prestigious Wisden Cricketer of the Year award.

Sachin Tendulkar celebrates after reaching 100 100s

Master Blaster's legacy

Tendulkar's cricketing journey began on November 15, 1989, with his Test debut, followed closely on December 18 of the same year by his first ODI appearance. In Test cricket, Tendulkar is the highest run scorer with a monumental total of 15,921 runs, a record that includes an impressive 51 centuries, the most by any player in the game's history. His dominance extends to ODI cricket, where he reigns supreme atop the leaderboard with 18,426 runs, complemented by 49 centuries. Throughout his 24-year career, Tendulkar represented India in an astounding six World Cups, culminating in victory in the 2011 edition.