Sachin Tendulkar celebrates 25th anniversary of his first Test century against England at Old Trafford on August 14, 1990

Sachin Tendulkar rescued India with a superlative 119 off 189 balls against England in the second Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.

On this day, 25 years ago, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar notched up his first century in Test cricket, when he rescued India with a superlative 119 off 189 balls against England in the second Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. It was because of Tendulkar’s effort on the final day of the second Test against England, which was played from August 9-14, 1990, that India was able to force a draw. Tendulkar, who had tremendous success batting at No. 4 in his career, came out to bat at No. 6 and played a marathon innings that helped India save the Test. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar’s first of the many Test hundreds under pressure

The Little Master had already established himself as a precocious talent by then, and India needed their batsmen to step up after England had piled up 519 in their first innings after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. India’s reply was in the same passion, with Mohammad Azharuddin leading the response with a splendid 179 off 243 balls, a knock that was studded with 21 boundaries and one six. India were bowled out for 432, and England had taken a lead of 87 runs. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar: A look back at the legend’s career

The match was special for India for more than one reason. Tendulkar’s maiden century, which helped him become the youngest to slam a Test ton, was accompanied with Azhar’s brilliance in the first innings, as he became the first Indian batsman to score 100 runs in one session. Azhar achieved the feat on the third day in the second session post lunch.

England responded well, as they added another 320 runs in their second innings and set India a daunting target of 408 runs to win. India had 88 overs to either save the Test or chase the target successfully. However, India were tottering at 183 for six despite half-century from Sanjay Manjrekar, and some resistance from Dilip Vengsarkar and Azharuddin. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar reminisces about first century against England

Tendulkar joined forces with Kapil Dev and then with Manoj Prabhakar to rescue India. Tendulkar and Kapil added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, and when the latter was removed by Eddie Hemmings for 35-ball 26, Prabhakar came on. Tendulkar and Prabhakar did not let England cause any more damage, and they added 160 runs for the seventh wicket to help India force a draw. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 119, while Prabhakar was not out on 128-ball 67.