Centurion, Dec 19 (IANS): After becoming the first batsman to score 50 Test centuries, Sachin Tendulkar dedicated the milestone hundred to his late father.
"I dedicate this century to my father. It was his birthday yesterday and I wanted to do something in his honour. I also thank all the well-wishers fans who have supported me throughout. Just keep supporting me like this and I will continue to perform," Tendulkar said.
When the moment finally came, Tendulkar raised his arms in the sky and looked upwards to thank the almighty - and his late father - and the Indian stands broke into celebration.
Tendulkar said he has never chased any record.
"I was not chasing any record. I have never run behind records. But I am happy," he said.
Tendulkar, 37, remembered his debut against Pakistan in 1989.
"It has been a long way. It has been a challenge throughout. In my first series I played Waqar Younis and Abdul Qadir. Waqar went on to become one of the best bowlers in cricket," he said.
Tendulkar achieved the feat when he drove Dale Steyn through the covers for a single on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa at Super Sport Park here Sunday. It took him 196 balls with 12 fours and one six.
His century could not have been better-timed as he and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni waged a battle to reach closer to South Africa's massive first innings lead of 484 runs.
"We have to play our best. There have been lot of positives from the match," he said.