Tendulkar’s record-equalling century puts India in control
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

DHAKA (Bangladesh): Sachin Tendulkar smashed his record-equalling 34th test century Saturday to put India in control on the second day of the first test against Bangladesh.

Tendulkar’s unbeaten 159-run knock included 23 boundaries off 272 deliveries as India amassed 348-7 before bad light stopped play three overs ahead of schedule.

At stumps India had a 164-lead against Bangladesh’s first innings total of 184 all out.

Tendulkar equaled compatriot Sunil Gavaskar’s test hundreds record with a single off pace bowler Tapash Baishya.

From the commentary box at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu National Stadium, Gavaskar hailed Tendulkar for the milestone. Tendulkar raised his bat and was hugged by skipper Sourav Ganguly, who watched the man they call «the little master» reach the milestone in 192 innings, 21 years after Gavaskar set the record.

Tendulkar has now scored a century against all test playing nations, joining Steve Waugh of Australia and Garry Kirsten of South Africa.

Tendulkar’s gritty knock of 100 off 166 balls included 15 boundaries.

Tendulkar shared a 164-run stand with Ganguly before the Indian captain was bowled by Baishya on 71.

He also featured in a 5th wicket 59-partnership with V.V.S. Laxman (32) who was out lbw to left-arm legspinner Mohammad Rafique, his first wicket of the match. Laxman hit six boundaries off 39 balls.

Dinesh Karthik (25) shared a 48-run stand with his senior partner Tendulkar before being caught at gully off medium pacer Mushfiqur Rahman, leaving the visitors on 339-6.

Tendulkar also saw Irfan Pathan (5) become Rafique’s second victim.

Unbeaten tailender Anil Kumble came to the crease as umpires offered poor light to the batsmen, who accepted it.●