OTD in 2008: Sehwag’s record-breaking fastest Test Triple-Century

Virender Sehwag. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Twenty years ago, on this day (March 29, 2004), the world of cricket bore witness to a historic moment as Virender Sehwag, the then-India opener, etched his name in the annals of history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to score a triple century in Test cricket. The second day of the Multan Test between India and Pakistan will forever be remembered for Sehwag’s awe-inspiring batting exhibition.

In keeping with his trademark aggressive batting style, Sehwag reached the milestone with a six-over mid-wicket off off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Sehwag’s journey to his triple-century marked remarkable accomplishments as he eclipsed the records of Sunil Gavaskar’s 236, Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 241, and VVS Laxman’s monumental 281. However, Matthew Hayden’s colossal 380, then the highest individual score in Tests, remained unscathed.

Sehwag’s monumental innings of 309 concluded when he nicked Mohammad Sami to the first slip, with India comfortably positioned at 509 for three down. His innings spanned 375 deliveries, with an astonishing stay at the crease lasting 531 minutes. The scoreboard reflected 39 boundaries and six towering sixes credited to Sehwag.

Fascinatingly enough, the match is also renowned for the then-India skipper Rahul Dravid’s declaration decision, which left the legendary Sachin Tendulkar stranded at 194 not out. India (675 for five declared) triumphed over Pakistan (407 and 216) by an innings and 52 runs.

Check out Sehwag’s incredible first triple-century knock here:

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Sehwag features in elite Triple ton club with Sir Don Bradman

Virender Sehwag‘s audacious innings played with apparent disregard for the risks involved, remain ingrained in cricketing folklore. The magnitude of his impact in the game can be understood by the fact that his last 10 Test centuries surpassed 150-plus runs. Consequently, the ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ got himself enlisted into an esteemed club alongside greats Sir Don Bradman and Brian Lara as the only batters to score triple tons twice in Test cricket.

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In a remarkable Test career, Virender Sehwag amassed 8,586 runs across 104 matches, boasting an impressive average of 49.34. His highest individual score of 319 remains etched in cricketing history. Sehwag’s aggressive style yielded 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries, accompanied by a formidable strike rate of 82.23. His boundary count included a staggering 1,233 fours and 91 sixes.