It was perhaps the most eagerly awaited match of the World Cup, a match watched by over a billion people on the subcontinent and elsewhere.

India versus Pakistan.

What was expected to be a close contest was anything but.

. Sachin Tendulkar took the match away from the Pakistanis and propelled India into the Super Six stage of the World Cup.

The huge gathering at the Centurion witnessed one of the finest innings from arguably the best batsman today. During his regal knock of 98 off only 75 balls, Tendulkar passed 12,000 runs in limited-overs internationals, despite a thigh strain.

The Pakistani attack -- comprising legendary bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, and sensation Shoaib Akhtar - had no answer to Sachin Tendulkar.

Text: Faisal Shariff

India beat Pakistan
The greatest one-day innings ever!
The World Cup