Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 74, thwarting rising expectations of a 101st international century and immediately raising the question on Friday among millions of loyal fans: could that be the Indian batsman's last innings?
Tendulkar was caught well by West Indian skipper Darren Sammy at slip to give offspinner Narsingh Deonarine an unexpected wicket, stunning the home crowd into silence at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
They were there to see the greatest cricketer of his generation playing his very last international game.
And Tendulkar walked off with his bat raised to acknowledge the rousing ovation.
It was a sudden end to what had been building as a fairytale finish. Tendulkar smashed 12 fours and faced 118 balls, playing both spin and pace bowlers with ease and executing several shots that he has been famous for - the straight drive, cover drive and the paddle-sweep.
He had resumed on day two of the second Test between India and the West Indies on 38 after an evening cameo on day one.
And the Little Master did not disappoint fans as he played a classic innings to immense applause and familiar chants of "Sachin, Sachin."
Tendulkar drove a Tino Best ball to the boundary to glide past 50 and then raised his bat to an ecstatic crowd and global TV audience in the millions.
Earlier, he'd smashed consecutive boundaries from offspinner Shane Shillingford to set the tone for the day - cutting a short ball through point and then executing a vintage paddle-sweep.
When on 47, he survived a big appeal for caught behind off Best, much to the relief of his fans.
The most prolific batsman in international cricket walked onto the field to a rousing reception on Friday, with people still pouring into the stands.
That was on top of those who had arrived early enough to watch Tendulkar knock the ball around in practice and speak to former Australia legspinner Shane Warne, who is part of the television commentary team.
Spectators had their faces painted in the green, white and orange colours of the Indian flag with either "Sachin" or "200" written on their foreheads to commemorate his 200th and last Test.
Prominent politicians, actors and sportsmen have turned out to watch Tendulkar's final match which is being played in a festive atmosphere.
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