The first of two successive master classes at Sharjah which have since been nicknamed ``Desert Storm.’’ Coming into the match India’s position was shaky. They had not fared very well in the tri series (the third team was New Zealand). In this last league match after the Australians had led off with 284 for seven in 50 overs India’s target was revised following a dust storm. The winning target was 276 but India by getting 237 would qualify for the final edging out New Zealand on superior run rate. As wickets fell at regular intervals Tendulkar guided India masterfully to their first target batting in commanding fashion against a bowling line-up that included Damien Fleming, Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne. After four wickets had fallen for 138, Tendulkar dominated a fifth wicket partnership of 104 runs with VVS Laxman. By the time he was fifth out at 242 in the 43rd over he had made sure that India would qualify for the final with a blistering 143 from 131 balls with nine fours and four sixes. India restricted to 250 for five from 46 overs lost by 26 runs but they still had a chance of scoring over the Australians in the final two days later thanks to Tendulkar’s brilliance.
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