Photo of MS Dhoni’s elimination in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup.©AFP
Former wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni’s run-out in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup was a heartbreaking moment for the fans of the Indian cricket team. Dhoni ran out as he was about to change gears with India needing 25 runs off 10 deliveries in the knockout match at Old Trafford. The batsman stood on the edge with great expectations from Indian fans. Dhoni had done such jobs before and he had plans to do this one too. However, the run-out in the 49th over sent India into the background and New Zealand went on to win the game by 18 runs.
It was the third delivery of the 49th with MS Dhoni batting and Bhuveshwar Kumar at the other end when Dhoni gloved the ball towards short fine leg. With Bhuvneshwar at the other end, Dhoni wanted the attack back and so he went for the second run but was found just short with Martin Guptill’s rocket throw.
While speaking about the moment after almost four years, Lockie Ferguson admitted that Dhoni’s wicket gave the New Zealand team “comfort”.
“You can say all the adjectives and superlatives you want about Dhoni. He’s affectionate and he shows up in the big moments, so when you see the back of him it gives you some comfort. Great to have that mid-afternoon game play out and enjoy the celebrations. It was quite surreal at the time,” Ferguson, who bowled the 49th, told ESPNcricinfo.
Earlier, New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor had also admitted that Dhoni’s wicket was the match-defining moment for his team as the wicketkeeper-batsman looked daunting enough as a finisher.
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