Let’s get one thing clear — Sachin’s centuries are legendary.
But if you think you need triple digits to define greatness, you’re sleeping on some of his most badass knocks.
These are the innings where:
- The pitch was garbage.
- The bowling was lethal.
- The pressure was off the charts.
And he still bossed it.
1. 98 vs Pakistan – 2003 World Cup (Centurion)
Okay fine, this one’s almost a century — but it deserves its own category.
- Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib – full speed, full aggression.
- Pakistan had posted 273. Pressure was next-level.
- Sachin walks out and uppercuts Shoaib Akhtar for six like he’s playing gully cricket.
That 98 was worth more than a 150 on a flat pitch.
Easily one of the most emotional, high-stakes innings ever.
2. 136 vs Pakistan – Chennai, 1999 (Test)
India chasing 271. Pitch turning square. Pakistan had Wasim + Waqar + Saqlain.
- Sachin comes in with his back literally gone.
- Plays a fighting 136. Carrying the team. Dodging reverse swing. Sweating buckets.
And then he gets out near the end. India collapses. We lose.
But fans at Chepauk still stood up and applauded Pakistan — because that’s how much respect Sachin earned that day.
3. 241 vs Australia – Sydney, 2004 (Test)*
You want discipline?
This man played 241 runs without hitting a single cover drive. Let that sink in.
- He’d been getting out to flashy shots all series.
- So he decided, no more cover drives. Just grind.
Mental strength? 100/100
Self-control? 100/100
Fantasy points? Probably made you king that day.
4. 140 vs Kenya – 1999 World Cup (Bristol)*
This one isn’t talked about enough.
- Sachin’s father had just passed away mid-tournament.
- He flew home, did the final rites… and then flew back to England to play this match.
He scored a masterful 140* — with tears in his eyes.
You could feel the emotion in every shot.
No bowler, no pitch, no pressure — just pure heart.
5. 85 vs Pakistan – 2011 World Cup Semi (Mohali)
Look, this wasn’t his best-looking innings.
He was dropped 4 times. Survived an LBW. But guess what?
- He still top-scored.
- He held the innings together when others were collapsing.
- He frustrated Pakistan into messing up their fielding.
Sometimes, survival is greatness.
Final Word
Every Sachin knock had a story — even the “ugly” ones.
That’s what made him different. Not just the centuries, but the context, the fight, the vibe.
