Tendulkar’s double century breaks ODI world record

Sachin Tendulkar has added yet another significant record to his already imposing CV by becoming the first cricketer to score 200 in a 50 over international against South Africa in Gwalior.

He surpassed Saeed Anwar and Charles Coventry’s jointly held record of 194 in the 46th over before squirting Charl Langaveld to third man in the last over to reach the prestigious landmark. In doing so India also became the ninth team to reach 400 in a One Day international with all of those totals coming since 2006.

It was an innings of typical balance, precision and moments of mesmerising genius from Tendulkar, who was admittedly aided by a flat pitch and tiny boundaries at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium.

The 36-year-old is in a rich vein of form, having reached three figures in each of his last four test matches and he has seamlessly transferred his prolific run getting into the 50 over format.

Tendulkar is treated as a deity in his homeland and his 200 not out — compiled in just 146 balls with 25 fours and three sixes — will only fortify his status as a national icon.

The ‘little master,’ now holds the records for most runs in the history of the Test and One Day games as well as the most centuries in both major formats. If his current form persists there seems little doubt that he will become the first man to reach 50 Test centuries and potentially the first batsman to make 100 international centuries.