In a much-anticipated clash of cricket legends, Sachin Tendulkar and Mutthiah Muralitharan graced the cricket field once again after 13 years since Murali’s retirement and 11 years since Sachin bid farewell to the game. The occasion was the One World One Family Cup Friendly Match held at the picturesque Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli on January 18, 2024.
As the cricketing icons faced off, the crowd was treated to a moment of nostalgia when Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter in cricket history, confronted the legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. The history between these two players, marked by numerous iconic battles throughout the 90s and 2000s, added an extra layer of significance to this encounter.
Sachin, known for his aggressive style, was on 27 runs when he faced Muralitharan. Opting for his characteristic attacking approach, Sachin stepped out and attempted to dispatch the off-spinner over his head. However, the timing eluded him, resulting in a skied shot that found the safe hands of Mohammad Kaif at long-on. This dismissal marked a moment of triumph for Muralitharan, a rare feat considering Sachin’s historical dominance over him during their playing days.
Reflecting on their Test match encounters, Sachin had the upper hand over Muralitharan. In the 14 innings where they faced each other, Sachin amassed 196 runs while Murali managed to dismiss the legendary batter six times. The One World One Family Cup friendly match, however, saw Muralitharan gaining a symbolic victory, even though Sachin’s team emerged victorious.
Shifting focus to the overall match dynamics, the One Family team, led by Yuvraj Singh, batted first and posted a total of 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Darren Maddy played a pivotal role, contributing a half-century, while Yusuf Pathan and Yuvraj Singh played important knocks of 38 and 23, respectively. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Harbhajan Singh, claimed two crucial wickets, with Sachin Tendulkar himself making a notable contribution by securing a wicket.
In pursuit of the target of 181, the One World team, guided by Alviro Peterson’s impressive innings of 74 from 50 balls, successfully chased down the total with a ball to spare. Sachin Tendulkar, in his much-awaited return to the cricket field, scored 27 runs, showcasing glimpses of his timeless cricketing prowess.
The friendly match not only rekindled memories of the fierce battles between these cricketing legends but also provided fans with a contemporary spectacle, witnessing Sachin’s return and Muralitharan’s skillful display. The outcome, with Sachin’s team emerging victorious, added a fitting conclusion to this special chapter in cricket history, where the past and present intertwined on the lush green fields of Sathya Sai Grama.