The rivalry between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar is well preserved in the folklore of cricketing history. Representing their respective nations both gave it their best on the field and fought fiercely. 

Off the field however, the two are the best of friends.  Shoaib Akhtar celebrated his 43rd birthday on Monday, with wishes pouring in from all across the cricketing world. Fans, teammates and rivals got together to wish the Rawalpindi Express on the special occasion and one of them, although a day late, was none other than Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar wished him via a Tweet in which he wrote  "Belated birthday wishes to, @shoaib100mph. Hope you had a great day." The Pakistan man, who still holds the record for the fastest cricket ball ever bowled". 

Shoaib who has great respect for Sachin was quick to reply as well. "Thank you my dear friend" wrote Shoaib in his reply. The duo has been involved in some fascinating contests on the cricket field. 

While it was Sachin who dominated Shoaib, Shoaib also gave it back when he had the opportunity on his hands. While Shoaib has dismissed Sachin 10 times in his career, Sachin also dominated him in the 2003 World Cup where he scored a fabulous 98 to help India win a crucial league game against their rivals. Tendulkar in that match hit Shoaib Akhtar for a six over point, a shot which is cherished till date by cricket fans all across the globe. 

Akhtar played 46 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan, taking 178 and 247 wickets respectively in the two formats.

(Inputs from Times Now)