Sachin Tendulkar sent his devoted Indian supporters into rapture today with the 68th Test half-century of his career, but the party was cut short with the Little Master's dismissal on 74.
Tendulkar departs for 74 in final Test
Resuming on 38 on the second morning against West Indies at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Tendulkar hit three fours to bring up his half-century.
The script seemed certain to call for a farewell century in his 200th and final Test but Tendulkar was denied after he tried to cut spinner Narsingh Deonarine fine, with Darren Sammy taking a sharp catch at first slip.
West Indies quick Tino Best tried his best to spoil the party with a fiery spell early, cramping Tendulkar for room and appealing for an edge with India's hero on 47. However, umpire Richard Kettleborough was unmoved and replays vindicated his decision.
Tendulkar brought up his half-century with a trademark straight drive. He hit 12 boundaries in his 118-ball stay.
Silence momentarily engulfed the ground after his dismissal before he was applauded off, Tendulkar saluting the crowd. With West Indies already trailing on the first innings by 50 at the time of Tendulkar's dismissal, it is uncertain whether there will be a second innings for Tendulkar in this Test.