GWALIOR, Feb 24 (IANS): Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar became the first ever to hit a double century in One-Day International as India made 401 for three in 50 overs in the second match against South Africa at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium here Wednesday.
Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 200 off 147 balls (25x4s, 3x6s) and broke the record of Zimbabwean Charles Coventry (194 not out) set against Bangladesh in Bulawayo last year.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained unbeaten on 68 while Dinesh Karthink made 79.
When Tendulkar turned Wayne Parnell to square leg for two in the 46th over, Tendulkar eclipsed Saeed Anwar and Charles Coventry's record for the highest individual score of 194, but his muted reaction on reaching that milestone confirmed that he had his sights set on a bigger accomplishment. The way Tendulkar started gave the impression that he was in the zone.
Virender Sehwag perished early, but Dinesh Karthik settled into the support role perfectly. Karthik brought up his personal best, and helped Tendulkar add 194 for the second wicket, before Yusuf Pathan and MS Dhoni played destructive cameos to torment the visitors. Dhoni brought up his 50 off 28 balls with a violent hoick over long off in the penultimate over, with Tendulkar still one run away from the 200, but the special moment came in the final over of the innings from Charl Langeveldt.