Lahli (Haryana): Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell game in domestic cricket ended in a manner befitting his iconic stature, as the retiring legend single-handedly guided Mumbai to a four-wicket win over Haryana in one of the most keenly-followed matches in the history of Ranji Trophy, here on Wednesday.
Requiring 39 more runs to win with four wickets in hand on the fourth and final day, Tendulkar went on to make a calculated 175-ball unbeaten 79, building his innings in the manner that has been the hallmark of his later years.
The stay in the middle also ensured that Tendulkar warmed-up for next month’s Test series against the West Indies, which will culminate with the second and his landmark 200th Test in Mumbai, where he will bring the curtain down on his 24-year international career.
Starting the day at 201 for six, Tendulkar, overnight on 55, guided Dhawal Kulkarni (16 not out) to the last run that came when the young pacer hit Mohit Sharma for a boundary, much to the delight of his Mumbai team mates who had planned to gift the veteran a win in his last game for the state side.
After the victory celebrations, Tendulkar said he is now eagerly looking forward to the series against West Indies, the first Test of which starts in Kolkata on November 6.
“It will be a good series. They (West Indies) are a good side, something that I’ll be looking forward to… my last couple of Test matches. I hope it produces good cricket and lives up to the expectations of all my well wishers,” Tendulkar said.
Speaking of his last domestic match, the Mumbai cricketer said, “It was a challenging wicket. It had a lot for the bowlers but it was fun to bat on this wicket. The bowlers were getting assistance from the wicket so it was not easy to score runs.
“240 was a big total to chase. The oufield was also on the slower side. 240 looked like 280 to chase on this wicket. This is just the kind of outing I was looking for.
“Haryana played very good cricket. All credit to them for putting up a good challenge and making it a memorable contest,” Tendulkar added. (PTI)