One of the finest finishers of a cricket game, MS Dhoni has an uncanny ability to get the team across the line with remarkable calmness and accuracy. His coolness under pressure coupled with his flawless finishes have provided cricket lovers some unforgettable moments. We will now look at some of MS Dhoni’s best finishes that would show his art of chases.
1. The 2011 World Cup Final
His most notable finish in career could be said to be the one in the final match of the 2011 ICC World Cup against Sri Lanka. India had lost wickets early in their chase for 275 runs and were under pressure. He came up the order and played a captain’s knock, finishing with an unbeaten score of 91 off 79 balls. A six off Nuwan Kulasekara is something that every cricket fan remembers always. This winning shot not only brought home the World Cup but also made sure that Dhoni will always be remembered as one of the greatest closers ever.
2. Tri-Series Final Against Sri Lanka (2013)
India needed fifteen runs from their last over in this West Indian based third final match, which was about to slip away from them as they only had one wicket left on a string while facing Shaminda Eranga who had two balls remaining before he bowled from his quota.. It demonstrated how cool he can remain when all others are losing their heads around him.
3. India vs Pakistan (2005 ODI in Visakhapatnam)
Dhoni smashed a breath-taking century against Pakistan scoring148(123). Though it was not a chase, it was important in setting up for a formidable total by India.. For so many times during his career, driven by daring batting and aggressive intent Dhoni laid this foundation.
4. India vs Australia (2012 Commonwealth Bank Series)
The do-or-die match against Australia required thirteen runs off the last over. This six by Dhoni from Clint McKay’s delivery and some singles brought India close to victory. There was a towering six to end the game, showing how he could handle pressure situations with ease.
5. IPL 2010: Chennai Super Kings vs. Kings XI Punjab
Chennai Super Kings needed sixteen runs in the last over of that match against Kings XI Punjab, when they were batting under MSD’s leadership.. Pathan was hit for two sixes in succession as Dhoni provided the team with an entry into semis. This demonstrated his love for big moments and his ability to finish.
6. Asia Cup 2016: India vs Bangladesh
Dhoni yet again showed his finishing prowess during the final match of Asia cup in 2016 against Bangladesh. Dhoni scored twenty* off just six balls including a huge six which means they are coming closer there, needing only nineteen runs from their last two overs .This was a successful run chase due to Dhoni’s timely late charge.
7. India vs West Indies (2011 ODI in Antigua)
In pursuit of 226, eleven runs were left to be got from the ultimate over as Indian cricket team batsmen held on tightly onto their nerves while facing each delivery from West Indian skipper.. His intent boundary off the last ball meant that it was another win for India under him as captain.. The outstanding aspect about this contest is that it depicted how calm he is and how well he knows when to go ballistic.
8. IPL 2018: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Once more, Dhoni played another thrilling knock after scoring an unbeaten70(34)* against Royal Challengers Bangalore where Chennai Super kings chased down a target of206 at Pune.. He smashed seven towering shots above all bowlers’ heads; this exemplified his big match temperament in pressure chases.
9. India won against Sri Lanka (2013 Tri-Series in West Indies)
India found themselves requiring 24 runs to win from the last two overs of the match. Dhoni’s brilliant 45 not out off 52 balls, with some big hits in the final over, steered India to a thrilling victory. His calm and aggressive approach was a class act on how to chase when under intense pressure.
10. IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals
Dhoni’s unbeaten fifty-eight from forty-three deliveries, including three sixes in the last over provided an incredible win for CSK against Rajasthan Royals and once again proved his finishing skills and captaincy abilities.
Legacy of a Finisher
MS Dhoni has had several such incredible finishes that underscore his remarkable ability to chase down targets. He is a legend of doing this sort of thing due to his mental game, coolness under fire and power hitting. At Lotus365, we remember these unforgettable moments that define Dhoni’s legacy.
The excitement surrounding such finishes adds an extra level of thrill whether you are watching cricket or playing at Lotus365 Sports betting. With your Lotus365 ID you can follow all the action as it happens and relive Dhoni’s magic moments.
It is through MS Dhoni’s best finishes that we witness his brilliance as a cricketer and a leader. His performances made under stressful situations where he guided his team successfully have forever changed world cricket history. At Lotus365, we pay homage to these iconic displays that still resonate with fans and budding cricketers alike; please stay tuned here as more great moments will be shared on this site by Lotus365 which will allow us enjoy the game more.