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XtraTime Web Desk: On this day in 1998, Sachin Tendulkar helped India find an oasis in Sharjah, defeating Australia in the final of Coca Cola Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It was a perfect birthday gift from Tendulkar to the nation. The win also meant India’s long wait for a trophy at this venue was over. And it would not have been possible without the two back to back hundreds by the master blaster. The 'desert storm' knock (143 off 131 balls) took India to the final but the hundred (134 off 131 balls) that followed sealed the Coca Cola Cup for Azharuddin and his men. No individual has ever dominated a tournament like Tendulkar did in that Coca Cola Cup tri-series. There was a huge anticipation for India to do well in the final following the knock from Tendulkar in the last match. It was a holiday being a Friday as the stands started to fill up quickly before the first ball was bowled. Azharuddin won the toss and decided to field first. The decision was justified as India’s new ball bowlers Ajit Agarkar and Venkatesh Prasad reduced Australia to 26/3. But a century partnership for the fifth wicket between Australian captain Steve Waugh(70) and Michael Bevan(45) took the score to 224/6. Some lusty hitting from Darren Lehman (70 off 59) towards the end took Australia’s score to 272 after 50 overs. India did not have the greatest of starts, losing Sourav Ganguly cheaply for 23 runs. But a steady partnership between Nayan Mongia and Sachin took the score to 128/2 before the wicketkeeper was dismissed by Damien Fleming. It was followed by the best moment of the match. Tendulkar (134 off 131) and Azharuddin (58 off 64) took the attack to the Australians. Tendulkar was the dominant of the two hitting 12 boundaries and 3 huge sixes in his innings. When Tendulkar departed in the 45th over India’s score read 248/3. Azharuddin too departed a little later edging behind to Gilchrist but India already had the nose ahead in the contest. Hrishikesh Kanitkar hit the winning runs for India. Australian captain Steve Waugh later confessed Tendulkar was the best batsman in the game after Don Bradman; it must have been a special occasion for the Indian. According to Tendulkar, "I was only trying my best to win the game for India. I knew I had to hang around." Even if the triumph lacked the flavor associated with a win over Pakistan at Sharjah, the fans were happy that India was winning at this venue, a virtual home away from home. And it would not have been possible without the efforts of Tendulkar.