Sachin Tendulkar forwards Shoaib Akhtar a snail mail

Both cricketers have been a part of a some fierce rivalry over the years.

Published - 14 Aug 2018, 16:01 IST | Updated - 14 Aug 2018, 16:01 IST

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India’s rivalry with Pakistan is an age-old one and the intensity during their matches soars exceedingly. The antagonists have had a number of riveting contests over the years and players from both teams have been tried their hearts out to overpower each other. Amidst the team battles, some individual player-battles have also enthralled the audience, Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar’s is one of them.

The Master Blaster played 28 (9 Tests, 19 ODIs) international matches against Pakistan, which involved the Rawalpindi Express. Among Pakistani bowlers, Shoaib has dismissed Sachin the most number of times, three times in Tests and five times in ODIs. In matches, where Shoaib played, the former Indian cricketer doesn’t have an overwhelming record, especially in the 50-overs format.

Sachin’s most memorable memory against the speedster was during India’s match with Pakistan in the 2003 Cricket World Cup in Centurion. On a quite a number of times, the Mumbai-born batsman whacked him to the boundary. However, Shoaib had the last laugh as he dismissed Sachin when he was on 98 runs. A vicious bouncer from the pacer smacked the batter on the gloves.

The Shoaib-Sachin rivalry and camaraderie

Younis Khan, inside the circle, made no mistake in grasping the leather. Sachin’s last encounter with Akhtar was in an ODI in Guwahati where he was trapped in front by the fast-bowler. Both were also in their squads for the 2011 World Cup in the sub-continent. India and Pakistan crossed swords in the semi-final at PCA Stadium in Mohali. Yet again, Sachin got out in the 90s in a match against the arch-rivals.

Nevertheless, Akhtar didn’t play the match. While Shoaib Akhtar played his last international match in 2011, Sachin bowed out in 2013. The duo also played for Sachin Blaster’s against Warne’s Warriors in the United States back in 2015. Yesterday, Shoaib celebrated his 43rd birthday and wishes poured in for him from nook and corner of the cricketing fraternity.

In the meantime, Sachin couldn’t wish him on the auspicious occasion. Nevertheless, he took to Twitter and wished him the very next day. He wrote, “Belated birthday wishes to, @shoaib100mph. Hope you had a great day.”