It took nearly 40 years of waiting and it was well worth it. Sachin Tendulkar chose one of the better bowling attacks doing the rounds, to eclipse the record for the highest score, before bringing up the first double-hundred in ODI history. The spectators at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium became the envy of cricket fans as they witnessed one of the country's favourite sporting heroes play a breathtaking innings which not only set up a 153-run annihilation but also the series victory. He may have been run-out cheaply in the previous match, but nothing could deny him today - be it bowlers, fielders, mix-ups or cramps. Dinesh Karthik, Yusuf Pathan and MS Dhoni stood by and admired as the master unfurled all the shots in his repertoire.
"It feels good that I lasted for 50 overs, a good test of my fitness. I'd like to bat another 50 overs at some stage and see that the fitness level doesn't drop," Tendulkar said after his effort helped India take a unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. "The ball was coming onto the bat and I was striking the ball well. So when everything falls into its place, it feels nice. It was one of the innings where I felt I was moving well. Since I was timing the ball well, I could be more aggressive and put pressure on the bowlers."
On The Eve of The Second Year Anniversary of Sachin's 200 In ODI's. We Bring you The Complete Picture Gallery of That Great Knock. CLICK ON THE PICS TO ENLARGE.
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar looks to the heavens after reaching the magical mark of 200, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Getty Images |
 |
| MS Dhoni is happy as Sachin Tendulkar reaches 200 in the last over, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Associated Press |
 |
| Hashim Amla runs up to congratulate Sachin Tendulkar after his 200, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Associated Press |
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar brings up yet another hundred, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Getty Images |
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar hits Charl Langeveldt down the ground, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Associated Press |
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar is congratulated by MS Dhoni after rewriting the record books, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Associated Press |
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar looks up to the heavens after getting to his fifty, India v South Africa, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Getty Images |
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar savours reaching his double century, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Associated Press |
 |
Sachin Tendulkar takes over the front pages after scoring the first ever 200 in ODI history, February 25, 2010 © Getty Images
|
 |
| Sachin Tendulkar's paddle-sweep evades Mark Boucher's gloves, 2nd ODI, Gwalior, February 24, 2010 © Getty Images |
