Sachin Tendulkar’s twin hundreds of 143 and 134 during the 1998 tri-series against Australia in Sharjah was the stuff of legends. Those two knocks cemented Tendulkar’s legacy as one of the greatest players in history and helped India become a force in modern-day cricket. During one of those hundreds, VVS Laxman was at the other end watching the masterclass from Tendulkar. Now, 22 years later, VVS Laxman, who is part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team as a mentor, shared some memories on his official Twitter handle.
VVS Laxman, sporting the Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey, wrote, “Coming back to Sharjah after a long time. Whenever I walk on this field memories of those two special 100s from @sachin_rt comes back to my mind, rushing like a #desertstorm,” Laxman tweeted. To this, Sachin Tendulkar replied, “Still remember both those games like they happened just yesterday. And do you remember how we almost got blown away by that desert storm?”. Laxman further added, “All I remember is the Aussies were blown away by the desert storm named @sachin_rt.”
Twin tons
India were facing a do-or-die battle in Sharjah against Australia. They had to reach a particular target in a specific over in order to pip New Zealand, the other team, on net run-rate. Sachin Tendulkar was in fine form and he took the attack to the Australian bowling. However, there was a brief interruption due to a violent dust storm in Sharjah and the target was made even more difficult.
Sachin Tendulkar stepped up a gear and tore the Australian bowling apart, smashing Damien Fleming, Steve Waugh and Tom Moody, the current coach of the Sunrisers Hyderabad side to all parts of the ground. Tendulkar was almost giving India an unlikely victory but he fell to Fleming for 143. However, the assault was enough as India powered into the finals where they would once again take on Australia.
In the final, chasing a stiff target, Tendulkar was once again in magnificent form and this time, he targeted legspinner Shane Warne for special punishment. Tendulkar’s shot over wide long on to a ball pitched outside leg stump prompted Warne to say that he had ‘nightmares about Tendulkar’ for a few years. Tendulkar smashed 134 and India had won the tri-series trophy in grand style.
