Watch: On This Day, Sachin Tendulkar Unleashed The "Desert Storm" On Australian Bowling Attack In Sharjah In 1998

On this day in 1998, legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar played one of the finest One Day International (ODI) innings of all times against Australia at Sharjah, unleashing what is known as the 'Desert Storm' to the millions, on the lethal Aussie bowling attack comprising of likes of Shane Warne, Michael Kasprowicz, and Damien Fleming. "Desert storm in Sharjah! On this day in 1998, the world witnessed one of Sachin Tendulkar's greatest innings as he smashed an incredible 143 against Australia," tweeted ICC.

The match was played as a part of the Coca-Cola Cup, a triangular series between India, Australia, and New Zealand.

Before this match, India had won just one out of their three games, and New Zealand had won only one out of their four games and looked pretty much out of the tournament, clinging on to net run rate as their last hope. Australia had earned a place in the finals after winning all of their three matches.

The match was extremely important for India, as it could use a victory to seal their position as Australia's opponents in the final.

In case of a loss, the net run rate could have ruined the Men in Blue's chances at gaining the trophy.

Electing to bat first, Australians put up an intimidating 284 for 7 in their 50 overs. Aussies did not get off the best of the start as they lost Adam Gilchrist for 11 at a score of 17 to medium-pacer Harvinder Singh.

Future captain Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh carried on with the rebuilding efforts, with Ponting falling for 31 to the Indian spin great Harbhajan Singh in the 14th over at the score of 84 and Mark Waugh scoring a well-made 81 before falling to Tendulkar with an assist from Ganguly's hands in the 32nd over of the game at the score of 177 as the fourth