Sachin Tendulkar hit Shoaib Akhtar — the world's fastest bowler — for a six over third man off a 93mph delivery in the most politically charged ODI in history, setting up a 6-wicket Indian win watched by 300 million viewers.
Pakistan batted first and made 273/7 — a strong total. India needed 274. Shoaib Akhtar opened the bowling. Tendulkar opened the batting. The most anticipated individual contest cricket had scheduled.
The defining moment: Shoaib bowled a 93mph full delivery outside off stump. Tendulkar waited for it, opened the bat face at the last instant, and played a deliberate cut/guide over the keeper's head that sailed over third man for six. Shoaib stared. The crowd erupted.
Tendulkar made 98 off 75 balls — India won by 6 wickets with 4 overs to spare. The run rate was never in doubt once Tendulkar was batting.
The match was watched by an estimated 300 million viewers in India alone — at the time the highest single-event television audience in Indian broadcast history. The political tension between the nations made every run a geopolitical statement.
The six over third man off Shoaib — the image of the match
Tendulkar 98 off 75 balls — the chase never in doubt
India win by 6 wickets — 300 million viewers watching
March 1, 2003
World Cup group match, Centurion, South Africa
Pakistan innings
Pakistan 273/7
India innings, early overs
Tendulkar hits Shoaib six over third man
Match result
India win by 6 wickets — Tendulkar 98
The most watched cricket match of the early 21st century — and within it, one shot (the six over third man) that transcended cricket. Tendulkar hitting the world's fastest bowler over the keeper's head made it the defining image of subcontinental cricket rivalry.
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