Islamabad: Sachin Tendulkar's feat of becoming the first cricketer in history to score 50 Test centuries "needs to be seen at par with efforts in any field to push the frontiers of human excellence", a leading Pakistani daily said yesterday.
"Putting Sachin Tendulkar's latest feat in a strictly cricketing context would not be fair to the sportsman," an editorial in Dawn said.
"His achievements in the world of cricket need to be seen on a par with efforts in any field — science, art, literature, etcetera — to push the frontiers of human excellence."
Tendulkar achieved the feat when he drove South African bowler Dale Steyn through the covers for a single on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa at Super Sport Park at Centurian Sunday.
It took him 196 balls with 12 fours and one six. India, however, lost the Test Monday with Sachin remaining unbeaten on 111.
Speaks volumes
Sachin's achievement "speaks volumes for the cricketer's temperament and his ability to adapt to changing times in the sports world," Dawn said.
"In fact, 20 years is a long time in the international sporting arena. Surviving for that long takes courage and determination.
"It is, as such, also about having enough passion for the game over that long a period to keep one's fitness level at the requisite level.
"Sachin Tendulkar, needless to say, has all these attributes and more — class, for instance. It is no wonder that he has survived two decades, and has, in fact, ruled the cricketing world," the editorial maintained.
Comparing him to Australian legend Don Bradman, Dawn said: "Tendulkar has established himself as the modern era's equivalent of the iconic Don. The many feathers in his cap appear to justify this perception.
Nothing more to prove
"He has no more points to prove to anyone."
It said for the cricketing world, "it has been a privilege to watch Sachin Tendulkar demonstrate his remarkable skills".
"There is hardly anyone who would disagree with this, especially as his talent on the field has been observed for several years now. Today, it is just about celebrating a cricketing giant who goes by the name of Sachin Tendulkar".
Closing the gap: Second in test rankings
After scoring his record 50th Test ton against South Africa, India's batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar moved to the second spot in Test batting rankings.
He has closed the gap on Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, who is on top of the list.
With two Tests of the South African tour yet to go, Tendulkar has an excellent opportunity to overtake Sangakkara in top spot.
But he will face tough competition from Jacques Kallis, who hit his maiden double century in the first Test that the Proteas won by an innings and 25 runs.
