Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has broken several records in his career and is all-time leading run-getter in Tests and ODIs. In the ODI formats, Sachin has scored most runs while batting as an opener. However, the idea to send Sachin as an opener in the ODI format was of none other than former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. It was during the second ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on March 27, 1994.
It turned out to be a great decision as Sachin Tendulkar went on to score 82(49) runs in his first match as an opening batter in ODI cricket. After that, Sachin became a regular opening batter for India in ODIs and has a record for most runs as an opener in the 50-over format. Talking about the match, batting first, New Zealand were bowled out for 142 runs in 49.4 overs. Chris Harris was top-scorer with 50*(71) runs. hitting three fours and a six. For India, Rajesh Chauhan took three wickets, while Javagal Srinath, Kapil Dev and Salil Ankola scalped two wickets each.
Sachin Tendulkar smashed 82 runs in first match as opener in ODIs
Chasing the winning target, young Sachin Tendulkar came as an opener in the ODI format for India for the first time. India got a great start as Tendulkar and Ajay Jadeja added 61 runs for the first wicket. Jadeja got out after scoring 18(25) runs, while Tendulkar went on to score 82 runs off 49 balls. He smashed 15 fours and two sixes during his knock.
After that, Vinod Kambli also contributed with 21(30) runs while skipper Mohammad Azharuddin (12* off 17) and Sanjay Manjrekar (7* off 20) gave finishing touches as India chased the target comfortably in 23.2 overs losing three wickets.
