January 31, 1999. A Test match between the arch rivals after a long long time.

India needed 271. Against an attack boasting Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq and Shahid Afridi. On a deteriorating wicket.

Sachin Tendulkar came in with the side reeling at 6 for 2. He left with the score at 254 for 7, having etched a glittering gem worth 136.

However, having managed 6 before the master walked to the wicket, his teammates managed 4 more once he was gone.

A magnificent knock amidst men who fell away like dominoes. Only one batsman apart from Tendulkar, wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia, scored more than 10 that day.

The loss by 12 runs still hurts. Perhaps the greatest innings and the saddest tragedy of that most splendid of careers.

Text: Arunabha Sengupta
Illustration: Maha