'Was very sad because Sachin got out for 98': Shoaib Akhtar on getting Tendulkar's wicket in 2003 World Cup

Sachin Tendulkar's 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup is considered one of the best ODI knocks played by the former batsman. The Master Blaster missed his century by two runs as Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar took his wicket.

Recalling the incident, Akhtar said during a Helo Live session, “I was very sad because Sachin got out for 98. It was a special inning; he should have touched the century mark. I wanted him to slam the ton. For that bouncer, I may have loved to see him hit a six, as he did it before”.

Akhtar had bowled a bouncer which Tendulkar, who was battling cramps and batting with a runner, had top-edged trying to fend it. The Pakistani speedster in that match had gone for 74 runs in his 10 overs.

Akhtar also spoke about the Tendulkar-Virat Kohli comparisons. He said: “Tendulkar batted in the toughest era of cricket. If he had to get the chance now, he may hit more than 1.30 lakh runs. So it’s not good to make a comparison between Sachin and Kohli.”

Last month, Akhtar had spoken about how he would have allowed Tendulkar to hit him for more sixes if he knew the shot over third-man would bring joy to Indian fans. 

“I had a good time bowling to Sachin Tendulkar. He is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But I dismissed him 12-13 times as well,” he had said.

However, the claims made by Akhtar are untrue as he had dismissed the Little Master a total of eight times in international cricket – five in ODIs and three in Tests.