This day, that year: When Sachin Tendulkar crossed the 30,000 run-mark

Mumbai: Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar made sure the Indian fans had something to cheer about on an otherwise uneventful afternoon in 2009 as India settled for a draw against Sri Lanka on the fifth day of the Ahmedabad Test.

The Master Blaster became the first cricketer to make 30,000 international runs as he clipped a swinging delivery from Chanaka Welegedara to deep square leg for a single in the 44th over.

His tally of ODI, T20 and Test runs (17,178 + 10 + 12,777) added up to the magic number.

The icon added another feather to his cap as he later went on to score an unbeaten 100, which he celebrated with a whoop and a big pump of the arms. This was his eighth ton against Sri Lanka, 43rd in Tests.

Tendulkar came on to bat with India trailing Sri Lanka by 125 runs. The veteran showed great composure and endurance as he stayed on for 298 minutes, facing 211 balls, 11 of which he converted into boundaries. His match saving century added to the frustration of the Sri Lankans, who had piled up a massive total of 760 runs in their first innings.

Along with VVS Laxman, Tendulkar registered the fourth highest partnership of the Test, adding 137 runs for the 5th wicket.

The record-breaker led the team by example, showing heart and courage in a pressure situation.

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