New Delhi: December 4, 2009, remains one of the most iconic days in Indian cricket. At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Virender Sehwag demolished Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with a breathtaking 293—missing a historic third Test triple century by just seven runs. Even the legendary Don Bradman never achieved three triple hundreds.
Yet, despite narrowly missing the milestone, Sehwag still etched his name into history.
Sehwag’s near-miss at immortality
Batting in his trademark fearless style, Sehwag tore apart the Sri Lankan attack. India were responding to Sri Lanka’s 393, built on Dilshan’s 109 and Angelo Mathews’ 99. Sehwag, alongside Murali Vijay (87), stitched a 227-run opening stand that completely shifted the momentum.
As wickets kept falling, Sehwag kept attacking. His innings ended at 293 when he was caught and bowled by world record off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, denying him a third triple century — a feat no cricketer has ever achieved.
Had he crossed 300 again, Sehwag would have surpassed both Bradman and Brian Lara in the record books.
History still created
Even without the triple ton, Sehwag’s innings entered the record books:
- He became the only Indian to score three Test innings of 290+ runs.
- His 293 came off just 254 balls, featuring 40 fours and 7 sixes, played almost in ODI style.
- The match also saw Virat Kohli complete 6,000 Test runs, becoming the third-fastest Indian to reach the landmark.
India won by an innings
India declared at a massive 726/9, with captain MS Dhoni contributing an unbeaten 100. Sri Lanka fought hard in the second innings, led by Kumar Sangakkara’s 137, but were bowled out for 309—still 24 runs short of avoiding an innings defeat.
The match is remembered as one of the highest aggregate run-scoring Tests in cricket history.
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