It was a crucial match in the Coca Cola Cup tri-series 1997-98 for India. A win in this match would take them to the final, where Australia: their opponents in this match: had qualified. Sachin Tendulkar stepped up to the plate and played one of the best ODI innings. Australia had scored 284-7 from their 50 overs and India were set a revised target of 276 from 46 overs. However, if they scored 237, they would make it to the final ahead of New Zealand thanks to a better net run-rate. After reaching 236, Tendulkar was determined to win the match from there. They needed 40 more off 21 deliveries, with 6 wickets in hand. However, Tendulkar was dismissed for 143 off 131 deliveries and India went on to lose the match by 26 runs. Two days later, on his 25th birthday, Tendulkar scored a blistering 134 off 131 to help India win the final by 6 wickets. This innings from Tendulkar is also known as ‘Desert Storm’ as the storm had erupted in the middle of India’s chase.
On This Day April 22: Sachin Tendulkar survives Australia, storm to help India qualify for Coca-Cola Cup final
