Tendulkar eyes home advantage

If there is one match that Sachin Tendulkar would want to score his century, then it will be the final in Mumbai. It will be apt in many ways for this batting legend who has wiped out all records in world cricket. Literally the whole of India has been waiting for his 100th century. So the obvious question was whether he had reserved his century for the final in his home town at the Wankhede stadium? "It will be wonderful to play the final in Mumbai. All we need to do is to remain calm and focused and get the job done," was Tendulkar's reply, not really focusing his answer on his century. Although he missed his century by 15 runs, he guided India to a challenging total and bagged the man of the match award. Tendulkar played an unusual innings in the semi-final, offering many chances. Knowing his fondness for perfection, he may not even have appreciated his knock had he got the century. He enjoys playing strokes which people can admire and force bowlers to feel helpless. However, Tendulkar has always put team performance above his individual landmarks. When asked about his role behind the victory, he praised young Suresh Raina who hit an unbeaten 36 during the death overs. "It was a special knock from Raina. When we started batting, I felt that 310 to 315 was par score. But as soon as spin was introduced, the ball started to stop and come. Then I thought that 265-270 will be a good score." Tendulkar revealed that it was a tough wicket to bat. "It was tough to bat on and we needed a good score. Viru (Virender Sehwag) got us to a flier. It was nice to see our bowlers bowl very well and contain the batsman," said Tendulkar who during the course of the innings also became the first batsman to score over 400 runs thrice in a World Cup. Tendulkar also went on to thank everyone in the stadium for the support. "I would like to thank everyone here for their terrific support and I firmly believe that without their support this victory would not have been possible." But he did go on to stress that it was not his individual effort that won the match. "It was a whole team's effort. We all worked hard towards a decent fighting total. I feel so happy. Going back to Mumbai for the final is going to be a wonderful occasion. "This has been memorable and something I will cherish all through my life." Incidentally, Tendulkar was a ball boy in the semifinal of the 1987 World Cup at the Wankhede stadium, and tomorrow the same stadium will be packed hoping to see him score his 100th ton. From Gulfnews