Asia Cup: History-making Tendulkar boosts India

DHAKA: Batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar hammered a long-awaited 100th international century on Friday to lift India to 289-5 against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Dhaka.

The memorable moment came in the 44th over when he turned left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan to square-leg for a single to become the first batsman to score a century of centuries.

The celebrations, however, were subdued as the master batsman removed his helmet, raised his bat and looked at the sky, before being congratulated by non-striker Suresh Raina and Bangladeshi fielders.

Tendulkar, who turns 39 next month, already holds four major batting records - maximum runs and centuries in both Tests and one-day internationals.

Timing and placement marked Tendulkar's 147-ball gem, studded with one six and 12 fours. He put on 148 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (66) and 86 for the third with Raina (51).

He was dismissed in the 47th over, caught behind while attempting to drive paceman Mashrafe Mortaza and returned to the pavilion to a standing ovation from some 20,000 fans at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.

Tendulkar was at his aggressive best at the start, fluently driving paceman Shafiul Islam through the covers and then hitting Mortaza for two boundaries. His next two scoring strokes were also fours.

Tendulkar did not spare even the slow bowlers, hoisting Shakib over long-on for the first six of the match and then smashed the spinner for a four to complete his half-century.

India, who beat Sri Lanka by 50 runs in their opening match, need a win to qualify for the final.

Pakistan are virtually assured of a place in the final after beating Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their opening two games.