How Sachin Tendulkar realised his dream on this day

The ‘Little Master’ had been stuck on 99 centuries on the international stage since March the previous year, when he hit 111 in the World Cup against South Africa in Nagpur.

The one-time Yorkshire overseas signing had twice been out in the 90s since but got over the line in Mirpur with a clip into the leg-side off the bowling of Shakib Al Hasan.

Bangladesh’s fielders offered their congratulations to the 38-year-old, who lifted his bat and raised his eyes skyward, before celebrating his milestone with back-to-back fours en route to a final score of 114.

Tendulkar, who reached his century off 138 balls, made his first international 100 in 1990 against England at Old Trafford at the start of what developed into a wonderful career.

His Mirpur knock was the India talisman’s 49th century in ODIs and his first against Bangladesh.

Tendulkar, the all-time leading scorer in both Tests and ODIs with over 35,000 runs, had had to wait over a year to create history. He failed to register a century on India’s tour of England, the home series against West Indies and the tour of Australia.

Tendulkar said the relentless talk about his 100th hundred had been draining, and hoped his achievement would encourage others to “chase their dreams”.

“I was not thinking about the milestone, the media started all this. Wherever I went – the restaurant, room service – everyone was talking about the 100th hundred,” he told television commentator Ramiz Raja.

“Nobody talked about my 99 hundreds. It became mentally tough for me because nobody talked about my 99 hundreds.

“I started off the season batting reasonably well. I was luckless. I was not playing only for my 100th hundred. It doesn’t matter how many 100s you score, you still put your head down, grind it out and do the job for the team.”

Asked if he had a message for his fans, Tendulkar continued: “Enjoy the game and chase your dreams. Dreams do come true. I had to wait for 22 years for India to win the World Cup.”

N Srinivasan, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, described Tendulkar as a “colossus”.

“Ever since he made his international debut in November, 1989, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has strode cricketing arenas the world over, like a colossus,” remarked Srinivasan.

“He has broken old records and set new benchmarks. He has been an inspiration to billions, and an ornament to the sport. March 16, 2012 will never be forgotten by cricket-lovers.”

Haroon Lorgat, the president of the International Cricket Council, added: “This is indeed a magnificent feat and not likely to be easily emulated.

“He is a marvel to cricket lovers around the world and with an array of batting records, Sachin is a true role model who will undoubtedly hold a special place in cricket’s history.”