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In the ODI World Cup 2003, Sachin Tendulkar was at the peak of his powers. Tendulkar was the highest run-scorer in the tournament. However, his only century in that edition came against Namibia. More than two decades later, the Namibia bowler who got him out is now their cricket’s president. The multi-talented Rudi van Vuuren recalled how he knocked over Tendulkar with a slow delivery as he was tired.
“In the Cricket World Cup 2003, I took the prized wicket of Sachin Tendulkar. I’m a conservationist. I’m also a medical doctor. I’m also the Cricket Namibia president. I used to play Rugby and Cricket for Namibia. I’m a pilot. I’m a father as well,” he said.
“I remember what happened. I think Sachin was batting on 140-odd. And he was tired, and I was tired. The ball was so slow that it almost didn’t hit the bails off the stumps, but yeah, that’s the prized wicket in world cricket, of course. If you can get the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar, that’s great.”
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Tendulkar’s ton, Van Vuuren’s lone fight
Tendulkar went for a big shot. The ball was low and kept low and it crashed into the stumps. The opener scored 152 runs from 151 deliveries, featuring 18 fours. On the other end, Sourav Ganguly remained unbeaten on 112 and helped India post 311/2. Namibia's Van Vuuren bowled the only maide in the innings. From his quota of 10 overs, he conceded 53 runs. He also picked up the wicket of Virender Sehwag with the new ball. He turned out to be most economical bowler for Namibia against India in that clash.
‘Humble' Tendulkar impresses Van Vuuren
Namibia suffered a 181 run defeat as Yuvraj Singh took a four-fer. Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Dinesh Mongia took two wickets a piece as Namibia were bowled out for 130 in 42.3 overs. After the match, Van Vuuren was floored by Tendulkar's humble nature. The two talked about rugby. The 'Master Blaster' posed for a photo with him as well.
“Francois Erasmus, our team manager, I asked Sachin if he would take a photo with me and he agreed. It was amazing to share. We sat there and talked for a long time. And the thing that impressed me the most about him was just his humbleness. What a humble man. What an ultimate athlete. He talked, was interested in Rugby and what we do. It was a great experience talking to him,” recalled the 53-year-old.
On February 12, Namibia will go up against co-hosts India at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The last time they met was in 2021 edition. India beat Namibia by nine wickets with 28 balls to spare.
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