9 instances when MS Dhoni finished the match with a six in ODI Cricket

Team India are on a roll after finishing the group stage unbeaten with a comprehensive 6 wicket win over Zimbabwe. Despite being in a spot of bother at one point during the chase, they were guided by their captain who is known all over the world for finishing off games. He was supported by Suresh Raina as the duo put up a mammoth unbeaten stand of 196 to help India win the match. The Captain closed out the chase with a big hit across the fence which brings us to this discussion where we remind you the 8 other instances where he finished off a run-chase with a six.

#1 15* vs West Indies in 2005

Dhoni vs WI

This is where it all began! July 2005 against the West Indies. The occasion was a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and these were the early days in Dhoni’s international career. West Indies won the toss and batted first, but were bowled out for just 178.

It was one of those rare matches where India were without the services of both Sachin and Sourav. The then Captain Rahul Dravid made a composed 50 to guide India to a 6 wicket win and in the end he was accompanied by Dhoni who closed out the game with a six off Jermaine Lawson.

#2 67* vs Zimbabwe in 2005

Those were the days when India were getting involved in a lot of tri-series tournaments. New Zealand were the third team in this tournament and Dhoni showcased his finishing prowess against Zimbabwe in a crunch situation.

Not many would have known that he would go on to guide India in much tougher situations in the next decade. India were struggling at 91 for 5 chasing 251, and this is where he stitched up a partnership with Yuvraj to guide India home.

Yuvraj got out for 120 in the end, but Dhoni completed the formalities with a huge six off Blessing Mahwire.

#3 183* vs Sri Lanka in 2005

The knock that made the Cricketing world take notice of a phenomenon named Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India were chasing 299 to win the game against the Island nation and lost Sachin’s wicket in the very first over.

Dhoni was promoted to number 3, and immediately took the attack to the opposition. He started decimating the likes of Vaas and Muralitharan and ended up with a tally of 10 sixes in his unbeaten knock of 183.

India won by 6 wickets with almost four overs to spare. Dilshan bore the brunt of the winning six.

#4 45* vs Sri Lanka in 2005

Barely three days after the onslaught, Dhoni did it again against the same opposition. This time though, he was less severe as he was sent in only at number 6, but the end product was the same. He anchored another chase to perfection and finished it off with a six.

The target was 262 and a young Suresh Raina was at the other end when Dhoni murdered Russell Arnold for back-to-back sixes to end the game.

#5 45* vs Pakistan in 2007

It took another two years for Dhoni to replicate the same feat! But this time he made sure that the opponents were India’s arch-rivals Pakistan who had come to India to play five ODIs and three Test matches.

This was the 4^th ODI and India were already leading the series 2-1. Pakistan made 255 batting first and Sachin responded with a blistering 97. But with almost 100 runs to score for a win, the side lost two quick wickets. But Dhoni’s calm presence in the middle ensured that there were no further wobbles as he finished the chase with a six off Salman Butt.

#6 26* vs Pakistan in 2008

The opponents were Pakistan again and the occasion was the Asia Cup! Pakistan set India a target of 300 riding high on Shoaib Malik’s 125. Virender Sehwag began the chase in his trademark fashion and showed no mercy to the Pakistani bowlers who were getting smashed around the park in front of their own fans.

By the time Dhoni came in at number 5, India needed only 69 runs to win with plenty of overs to spare and he finished off the job. Part-time bowler Younis Khan was at the receiving end this time!

#7 91* vs Sri Lanka in 2011

Yes, the big one indeed! A six which will forever be etched in the memories of every single Indian Cricket fan. The stage was set for Dhoni as he hadn’t made enough runs in the tournament. He made the big move to push himself above Yuvraj who had been in great form.

Chasing 275, India were precariously placed at 114 for 3 when the Captain joined forces with Gambhir. The duo put on a 100-run stand as Dhoni remained not out until the very end to deposit Nuwan Kulasekara to the stands at the Wankhede for the victory!

#8 45* vs Sri Lanka in 2013

Sri Lanka again! Sadly, they were at the receiving end on so many occasions which also highlights the fact that they played India frequently during this period. It was the tri-series final at Port of Spain, Trinidad and Dhoni who missed the previous few games due to injury returned for the big game.

He was still not a 100% fit which was evident with the way he ran between the wickets during the innings. India needed 50 more runs to win the tournament with only three wickets left. It finally came down to 17 from 12 and Dhoni made sure that Ishant blocked his way out of trouble so that he can go for it in the final over.

And indeed he did in some style! 15 runs were needed and he got them in four balls that included a couple of sixes. Shaminda Eranga was his victim!

#9 85* vs Zimbabwe in 2015

And the latest one! India had endured a tough time in Australia ever since they arrived but made sure that they peaked at the right time. After winning five on the trot in the group stages, the team was looking to end the first round with another win.

But Brendan Taylor had other plans in his farewell game as he made sure Zimbabwe set India a target of 288. India were looking at their first defeat when they lost their 4^th wicket with only 92 on the board, but Captain cool sounded a warning to his rivals that he still has the same venom inside him.

He remained unbeaten on 85 and pulled Panyangara into the stands to seal the win.