Brilliant Innings ending in Defeat

Sachin Tendulkar: 136 vs Pakistan, Chennai, 1998-99

Even a Tendulkar hundred could not win this game for India

It was Pakistan's first tour to India since 1987 and the first time the two sides had met in a test series since 1989. Security threats and a dug up pitch in Delhi marred the beginning of the first test. When it finally got underway, it turned out to be a typical India-Pak encounter with all the twist. After winning the toss, Pakistan were dismissed for 238 in their first innings, but thanks to some good bowling and a hundred from Shahid Afridi, made India chase 271 to win. The Indians lost early wickets and were in trouble at 91-5 with only Tendulkar remaining. He battled the heat, a horrible back spasm and the Pakistani bowling attack along with Nayan Mongia to force India into a position from which it seemed difficult to lose..... But they somehow managed it. Mongia charged down the pitch and was stumped of Saqlain Mushtaq with the score on 251. Tendulkar eventually could not bear the pain and holed out to cover trying to clear midwicket of a doosra. The rest of the batsmen folded in abject surrender as India were bowled out for 258 to hand Pakistan the first test of the series.