Exactly 13 years ago today, Sachin Tendulkar, one of the best cricketers ever, played his last ODI against Pakistan. He didn’t realize it then, but that Asia Cup match in Bangladesh on March 18, 2012, against our biggest rivals, would be his last in the format.
He said he was quitting months later, on December 23. He left as the top scorer in ODI history. It really did feel like the end of an era for Indian cricket; his exit made everyone feel nostalgic.
Even the 2012 Asia Cup is remembered, even though India didn’t reach the final. That tournament will always be remembered for Sachin’s 100th international century against Bangladesh. Nobody knew that his final ODI game would be just days later.
#OnThisDay in 2012, Sachin Tendulkar played his last one-day international!
— ICC (@ICC) March 18, 2020
Which is your favourite Sachin ODI knock of all time? 😍 pic.twitter.com/hpOVaJBwaa
That last match in Dhaka was a reminder of how great Sachin had been for decades. He didn’t get another century, but he still managed to score a fifty.
Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the toss that day. Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed both hit centuries and seemed unstoppable.
Pakistan got off to a great start, scoring 224 runs before losing a wicket. Younis Khan added a quick 52 off 34 balls to help them finish at 329/6.
India’s chase had a tough start when Gautam Gambhir was out for zero off the second ball.
Sachin stepped up and partnered with Virat Kohli when it mattered most. Together, they put on 133 runs before Sachin was out. He made a half-century, hitting five fours and one six before Saeed Ajmal dismissed him.
Kohli kept the momentum going, teaming up with Rohit Sharma. He scored 183 runs with 22 fours and one six, while Rohit added 68. Those partnerships really helped India, and they chased down the score with 2.1 overs to spare.
Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni helped India to the win by six wickets.
Sachin’s retirement led to a huge global celebration of what he brought to cricket. He left behind a legacy that goes beyond the sport.
Recently, Sachin played again in the International Masters League.
