Sachin Tendulkar Scores 100 International Centuries

• Event  Sachin Tendulkar scores 100th international century
• Date  16 March 2012
• Location  Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
• Achievement  First cricketer in history to score 100 international centuries
• Total Runs  15,921 (Tests) + 18,426 (ODIs) = 34,347 runs
• Total Matches  200 Tests + 463 ODIs = 663 matches
• Highest Scores  248* (Test), 200* (ODI)
• World Cup Centuries  6
• Centuries by Opponent  Australia 25, England 15, Sri Lanka 14, Pakistan 11
• Centuries by Format  51 Tests, 49 ODIs
• Batting Average  53.78 (Tests), 44.83 (ODIs)
• Strike Rate  54.17 (Tests), 86.23 (ODIs)
• Innings per Century  3.92 (Tests), 9.5 (ODIs)
• Age at 100th Century  38 years
• Career Span  1989–2013 (24 years)

Introduction

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, born on 24 April 1973 in Mumbai, India, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Tendulkar set numerous records, including being the highest run-scorer in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. His achievement of scoring 100 international centuries remains one of the most iconic milestones in sports. On 16 March 2012, Tendulkar reached this unprecedented landmark in a match played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, solidifying his status as a cricketing legend.

Early Career and Debut

Sachin Tendulkar made his international debut at the age of 16 in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi on 15 November 1989. His early performances were characterized by technical proficiency, adaptability, and remarkable composure under pressure. Tendulkar's ODI debut came shortly after, on 18 December 1989 against Pakistan in Gujranwala. By the early 1990s, he had already established himself as a cornerstone of India's batting line-up.

Progression Towards 100 Centuries

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Tendulkar consistently performed across all formats. His first Test century came against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, in August 1990, when he scored 119 runs. His maiden ODI century was recorded against England in Gujranwala in 1990, scoring 110 runs. From that point onwards, Tendulkar amassed centuries at a phenomenal rate, eventually achieving centuries against every major Test-playing nation. He scored centuries in diverse conditions, ranging from seaming tracks in England to spin-friendly pitches in India, highlighting his adaptability and mastery over different bowling attacks.

Statistics Before the 100th Century

Before achieving his 100th century, Tendulkar had scored 51 Test centuries and 48 ODI centuries, totaling 99 international centuries. His highest individual score in Tests was 248* against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2004, while in ODIs his top score was 200* against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010, the first double century in ODI history. Tendulkar's performances consistently ranked among the highest in terms of runs scored, centuries per innings, and consistency across decades.

The 100th Century: Match Context

The historic 100th century was achieved during the Asia Cup One Day International match between India and Bangladesh at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on 16 March 2012. Batting at number four, Tendulkar faced a quality bowling attack and scored 114 runs off 147 balls with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes. This century was witnessed by thousands of spectators, including former cricketers, dignitaries, and an international media contingent, making it a global cricketing event.

Records and Figures from the 100th Century

The 100th century marked several key records:

• First player in cricket history to achieve 100 international centuries.
• Surpassed all previous records held by Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Jacques Kallis.
• Second highest individual score in Asia Cup history for Tendulkar.
• Highest number of centuries against Bangladesh in ODIs.
• Maintained a batting average over 50 in both formats at the time of achievement.

Centuries Breakdown by Format and Opponent

As of 16 March 2012, Tendulkar's centuries were divided as follows:

• Tests: 51 centuries
• ODIs: 49 centuries

Distribution against opponents:

• Australia – 25 centuries (9 ODI, 16 Test)
• England – 15 centuries (5 ODI, 10 Test)
• Pakistan – 11 centuries (5 ODI, 6 Test)
• South Africa – 12 centuries (6 ODI, 6 Test)
• Sri Lanka – 14 centuries (6 ODI, 8 Test)
• West Indies – 7 centuries (5 ODI, 2 Test)
• New Zealand – 8 centuries (4 ODI, 4 Test)
• Bangladesh – 8 centuries (5 ODI, 3 Test)

Centuries by Location

Tendulkar scored centuries in 30 different countries across Tests and ODIs, including India, England, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand, West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and UAE.

Consistency and Longevity

He scored a century approximately every 3.92 innings in Tests and every 9.5 innings in ODIs. Tendulkar's consistency over 24 years underscores his dominance and longevity. His ability to perform across different eras, against evolving bowling techniques and in changing pitch conditions, makes this record unparalleled.

Additional Records and Achievements

• Highest run-scorer in Tests: 15,921 runs.
• Highest run-scorer in ODIs: 18,426 runs.
• First player to score a double century in ODIs.
• Most Man of the Match awards in ODIs: 62 awards.
• Most Man of the Series awards in ODIs: 15 awards.
• Most runs in a single World Cup: 673 runs in 2003 Cricket World Cup.
• First player to surpass 30,000 international runs combined across formats.
• Maintained centuries across three decades: 1990s, 2000s, 2010s.

Awards and Recognitions

• Arjuna Award (1994)
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (1997–98)
• Padma Shri (1999)
• Padma Vibhushan (2008)
• Bharat Ratna (2014)
• Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1997)
• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2019)

Impact and Legacy

Tendulkar's 100th century was more than a personal milestone. It symbolized decades of skill, discipline, and international cricket dominance. It inspired future generations of cricketers worldwide. Tendulkar retired in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy as the benchmark for excellence in batting and cricketing consistency. His influence extended beyond the field, promoting cricket development, mentoring young players, and becoming a global ambassador of the sport.