Victory mattered more, says Sachin

BULAWAYO, Sept 26: Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar down-played his world record for most number of one-day centuries in the opening tie ...

BULAWAYO, Sept 26: Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar down-played his world record for most number of one-day centuries in the opening tie against Zimbabwe saying that india’s victory mattered more.

“I have never rated my hundreds above the team’s performance,” said Tendulkar after he compiled an unbeaten 127 to spur India to an eight-wicket win.

“For me it is a special pleasure even if I score only 10 runs and the team is a winner than the other way around,” said Tendulkar.

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Commenting on his knock, Tendulkar said the wicket was nice to bat on and once he was through with the first 15 overs, he was intent on consolidating the team’s total.

Of the two chances he offered, he said: “It happened simply because I wanted to get off to a good start.

“It is always easier for the rest of the batsmen once the team is off to a flier, more so when the target is as small as it was today.”

Tendulkar praised Rahul Dravid for his fine innings of 64. “He batted alright. Indeed, he was batting alright allthis while, there was nothing wrong with his form as such.”