Sachin's 50th ton a lesson in cricket: ICC chief

ICC president Sharad Pawar on Sunday congratulated Sachin Tendulkar for becoming the first cricketer to score 50 Test tons and said the iconic batsman's innings is a lesson for youngsters around the world.

Chasing South Africa's first innings total of 620/4 declared, Tendulkar, on Sunday, slammed an unbeaten 107 in the second innings of the first cricket Test in Centurion to keep India's hopes alive of saving the match.

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-Congratulate Sachin Tendulkar

"Every Indian was playing under tremendous pressure and in that situation Sachin's century is not just a century but he has shown to the global community and all young cricketers all over the world how to play in such difficult times," Pawar said.

"In ICC office, nowadays, whenever Sachin goes to play and even if he scored one run that is a global record because 14,000 was the highest run any cricketer has scored in his lifetime. So the 50th century itself is a record," he added.

Pawar said Tendulkar deserves special congratulations and his achievement will fill the heart of every cricket lover around the world with joy and happiness.

"Surely he deserves special congratulations but this situation is altogether different. You have to accept India has practically proved that they are number one in cricket all over the world.

"I am absolutely confident, the global cricket-loving people must be extremely happy and will very much be jumping and eager to congratulate this historic performance of Sachin," he said.

Tendulkar and S Sreesanth were at the crease when stumps were drawn on the fourth day with India still trailing by 30 runs with two wickets in hand.