COLOMBO, Feb 27 (PTI): Much like their counterparts in other cricket-playing nations, the Sri Lankan media too bowed in appreciation for Sachin Tendulkar, lauding his historic and awe-inspiring double ton in the Gwalior ODI.
Calling him a �batting god�, editorials lavished praise on Tendulkar who became the first batsman in the history of one-day cricket to score a double hundered when he struck 200 not out against South Africa.
�Sachin Tendulkar quenched the thirst of millions by his record breaking double century in ODIs,� said a report.
The state-owned �Daily News� devoted a voluminous article on the Indian and wrote, �It has been said and accepted that in India cricket is religion and Tendulkar god. And that belief came true when the batting god delivered in making the first double hundred in the history of one-day international cricket.�
�At 36 years of age, he does not seem to have slowed. Like all great batsmen do, he first got his eye in, got a feel of how the wicket was playing, its bounce and movement and then began the batting show of the shows.
�A show that will stay etched in the memory of those fortunate to watch it live and listen on radio,� the article said.
�He was a natural and a genius. Strokes come naturally to him and he is no slogger, but a batting maestro in the manner born,� the newspaper added.
The newspaper said Tendulkar�s stamina during the knock was laudable.
�He is 36 and like good wine seems to be mellowing with age. In this big innings he did not show any tiredness or cramps,� the newspaper said in its article.
�He ran the singles and the twos like a teenager. We wish Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar many more years of runs full of cricket and may many more records dot his glistening career until he decides to call it a day. He�s an example,� the article said.
