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Sachin Tendulkar Rolled Back The Years With a Masterclass that Defined the Trophy For India

Cricket

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Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @cricketmax87   The ghost of batting under the R Premadasa Stadium lights was almost buried on September 14, 2009, as Sachin Tendulkar rolled back the years with a masterclass that defined the Compaq Cup final between India and Sri Lanka. Tendulkar’s magnificent century — his 86th international hundred — was a throwback to the 1990s. On a flat Colombo pitch, he played risk-free, classical cricket, barely hitting the ball in the air, yet dominating the bowlers through timing, placement and relentless running. His 95-run opening stand with Rahul Dravid steadied a shaky Indian batting line-up, before crucial partnerships with MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh powered India to a commanding total. Sri Lanka knew only ultra-aggression could keep them in the contest. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya launched a blistering start, smashing 60 runs in seven overs and leaving India’s fast bowlers clueless. Just when the chase threatened to spiral out of control, Harbhajan Singh stepped in with a spell that changed the final. Harbhajan’s first over was a masterpiece — tactical, aggressive and decisive. He removed Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene early, setting the tone for India’s fightback. Despite resistance from Kumar Sangakkara, Thilina Kandamby and Chamara Kapugedera, Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at crucial moments. India’s spinners — Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh — held their nerve under immense pressure. Raina’s dismissal of Kapugedera in the 43rd over, with the batting Powerplay still available, proved the turning point. A fired-up Harbhajan then ripped through the tail, claiming his third ODI five-wicket haul and sealing India’s victory. Don’t be fooled by the 46-run margin. This was a night of punches and counter-punches, frantic momentum swings, missed chances, and nerve-wracking pressure — a final where Sachin Tendulkar’s elegance and Harbhajan Singh’s aggression combined to lift India to the Compaq Cup. 🏆 Man of the Match: Harbhajan Singh 📍 V