On This Day: Sachin Tendulkar smashed 175 vs Australia in Hyderabad

November 5 will always be a bittersweet day for any Indian cricket fan. On this day in 2009, Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar put up one of his brilliant performances in an ODI against Australia in Hyderabad. However, his performance was not enough to save India from defeat.

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The game started well for India, though they were chasing a steep target of 351 runs. Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar started strongly with a 66-run stand in the first nine overs. However, disaster struck as Sehwag got out and soon after, the Indian top-order collapsed.

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Despite wickets falling at the other end, Tendulkar stood firm. He scorched his way to a remarkable 175 off 140 balls, hitting 19 fours and four sixes as India's required rate did not go above 7 per over for most of the match. However, Tendulkar was dismissed when India were at 332 for 7, needing 19 runs off 18 balls with four wickets in hand. 

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The tail collapsed, much like the top order, leaving India just three runs away from victory. One could almost discern that Sachin Tendulkar was the one holding the Indian innings together. His dismissal led to a spectacular choke, taking the team into defeat from an indomitable position. It reminded many fans of the 90s, when Tendulkar was the backbone of the Indian batting line up as the rest struggled.

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Sachin Tendulkar: The 'God of Cricket'

Tendulkar has gone on record to state that he would have gladly traded his knock of 175 for an Indian victory any day. Recalling the innings, he told a leading Indian media publication that it was one of those days when everything was going his way. He was performing well, executing his shots to perfection and all things were looking up despite the middle-order collapse. Tendulkar confessed that it was heartbreaking to lose his wicket when India were so close to Australia's target and then watch the rest of the team fold.

Despite the team’s loss, Tendulkar was named the Player of the Match. His knock of 175 in the innings helped him cross 17,000 runs in One Day Internationals. India lost the game and eventually the series, but Tendulkar won hearts with his effort.

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