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On March 16, 2012, India legend Sachin Tendulkar broke into record books after notching up his 49th ODI century against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2012 match played in Mirpur. This game is special in the history of cricket as this ton made the Master Blaster first and only batter to hit 100 centuries in international cricket. Winning the toss, the hosts invited the Men in Blue to bat first. Gautam Gambhir, who came to open the innings with Sachin, fell to Shafiul Islam after scoring only 11 runs. Tendulkar along with youngster Virat Kohli built a 148-run partnership off 180 deliveries.
Virat Kohli departed after scoring 66 off 82 but Tendulkar stood at the crease and completed his century in the 44th overs after facing 138 balls. Raina also hit his fifty in just 35 deliveries. Sachin's innings came to an end after accumulating 114 off 147. In the final overs of the innings, captain MS Dhoni produced a swift 21-run knock off 11 deliveries and helped India deliver a target of 290 runs to the home side.
Tendulkar’s historic ton went in vain as Bangladesh stunned India
Pursuing the target, Bangladesh lost their opener Nazimuddin early in the fifth over but Tamim Iqbal along with Jahurul Islam stitched a 113-run stand off 145 deliveries. Tamim and Jahurul left the crease after chipping in with 70 (99) and 53 (68) respectively. Nasir Hossain also played a 54-run innings to keep his team in the chase.
The vital knocks came from the bats of Shakib Al Hasan and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim. Hasan faced 31 balls and amassed 49 runs, which included seven boundaries (five fours and two maximums). The captain stood at the crease and took the Bangla side home with his unbeaten 46 off 25. Bangladesh completed the chase in 49.2 overs with five wickets in hand. Shakib’s extraordinary batting effort got him the player of the match (POTM) award.
