Senior batsman Tendulkar reached the coveted landmark when he tucked one towards midwicket for a single off left-arm spinner Yannick Ottley, as Mumbai Indians defeated Trinidad & Tobago to make the final of the Champions League Twenty20.
Coming into this match, he needed 26 runs to reach the landmark.
"I wasn't aware that I was close to 50000, I only saw it on the big screen when I was two runs short," Tendulkar said after the semifinal match.
The veteran batsman said the win over Perth Scorchers in their last group game was crucial.
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"I thought that the crunch moments came against Scorchers where we chased very well."
Asked about his team, Tendulkar said, "I am a little superstitious, so I don't like speaking about my own team (on his team's chances in the final against Rajasthan Royals).
And about the spirited T&T side, he said, "T&T are a dangerous side and they play the format very well. They have proved themselves in the past. I was glad that (Kieron) Pollard and Smithy were on our side. We held our nerves well."
Asked about his body, Tendulkar said, "All 'parts' are well and I am enjoying.