Tendulkar smashes way to world record

India batsman Sachin Tendulkar broke the record for the highest individual score in a one-day international innings in today's second ODI against South Africa in Gwalior.

Tendulkar passed the mark of 194 not out set by Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry in August last year and 194 by Pakistan's Saeed Anwar in 1997.

The 36-year-old is already the leading run-scorer in Test and ODI cricket.

Tendulkar, who also made his 46th ODI century - the most by any batsman - went on to make an unbeaten 200, the first ever double century in a one-day match.

Tendulkar, who was at the crease for the duration of India's innings showed signs of tiredness and was also suffering from cramp, but reached the mark with a single off Charl Langeveldt.

Tendulkar's previous best was 186 not out and faced 147 deliveries en route to his historic double century, his knock interspersed with 25 boundaries and three towering sixes.

The 36-year-old already has a world record 13,447 runs in Test cricket and also holds the record for most centuries in Tests.

He has the record for the most runs in ODIs as well.

The accolades poured in for Tendulkar following his latest achievement.

Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail, who was Anwar's opening partner, believes Tendulkar's respect for the game is his leading quality.

"It was a brilliant innings and if you speak to Saeed Anwar, he would be so glad Tendulkar was the one to break his record," Sohail said.

"We all know how talented and how passionate he is about the game, but it's incredible that at the age of 36 he is still going on, he plays the full 50 overs, runs hard and at no point during this knock did he look like he was going to throw his wicket away.

"But the biggest reason he gets all these records is because he respects the game tremendously."

Another former Pakistan captain and top-order batsman Rameez Raja also paid rich tribute to Tendulkar.

"He's been a great ambassador for India and world cricket," Rameez said.

"He is a great role model because for someone who has played international cricket for 20-odd years there isn't a single scandal against him.

"It shows the character of the man and he still has the passion and enthusiasm of a 10-year-old."

Former India captain Bishen Singh Bedi added: "It was a great moment for us and another class act from Tendulkar. Sachin has been a great warrior for us and this innings was a delight to watch."