68 v KKR, 2009

The 2009 Indian Premier League was held outside India for the first time and the venue was South Africa. The bouncy pitches suited the stroke play of the Indian batting maestro, as he showcased a range of shots against Kolkata Knight Riders in the match played at the Port Elizabeth ground.

He took the fans down memory lane, as he started off with a six cut over point in shades of his shot against Shoaib Akhtar in the match against Pakistan in 2003 World Cup. Tendulkar’s innings was full of precise cuts and pulls and he even mastered the then red-hot Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis.

A 127-run opening partnership ensued with Sanath Jayasuriya and Tendulkar made 68 in 45 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes, taking his team to 187 runs. Tendulkar was looking set for his first T20 century but his quickfire knock was cut down in the 13th over.  MI bowled out KKR for 95 runs and won the match by 92 runs.