On This Day In 2010: Sachin Tendulkar Smashes Historic 50th Test Century

On this day 13 years ago, legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar became the first player in the history of the game to score 50 Test hundreds. The Master Blaster achieved this historic feat on December 19, 2010 during the first Test against South Africa. Sachin, at the age of 37, also succeeded in breaching the 14,500-run mark in red-ball cricket during that game against the Proteas at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Tendulkar dedicated the record to his father, who passed away in 1999.

“It was his birthday yesterday and I wanted to do something in his honour. I also thank all the well-wishers and fans who have supported me throughout. Just keep supporting me like this and I will continue to perform. I was not chasing any record. I have never run behind records. But I am happy,” Tendulkar had said back then. As Sachin Tendulkar celebrates a monumental feat today, we take a look at his historic knock against South Africa.

The Day Cricket Stood Still

Team India had folded for a meager total of 136 in the first innings. South Africa pacer Morne Morkel dismissed five Indian batters to earn an upper hand for his side. The hosts responded in a resounding fashion by declaring their first innings with 620 runs on board.

India put up a terrific fightback in the second innings. Sachin Tendulkar and skipper MS Dhoni’s 172-run partnership for the seventh wicket brought India back into the game. Dhoni was first to depart for 90.

But Sachin continued his resilient batting. Sachin breached the three-digit mark after 258 minutes of patient batting during which he faced 197 deliveries.

Sachin Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 111. The highest Test run scorer slammed 13 boundaries and a six during his batting against South Africa in the second innings.

His special knock, however, went in vain as India were bowled out for 459. Despite Sachin’s brilliance, the MS Dhoni-led side had to concede a defeat by an innings and 25 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar capped off his glorious international career with 51 centuries and 68 half centuries in Tests. Tendulkar scored his final Test hundred against South Africa in January 2011 in Cape Town.