MS Dhoni has been a perfect synonym for the term “finisher” in the game. The Indian captain has simply redefined the true essence of the word with his epic finishes and his ability to wrap up any run chase in style. Dhoni, might not be the most fluent batsman around, but he definitely knows the basics of how to successfully finishing a game.
The destructive wicketkeeper-batsman has time and again finished off some memorable chases for India with his uber cool batting. But the one finish from captain cool which stands out is definitely the one against Sri Lanka, in the final of the Celkon Tri Series in the Caribbean. Dhoni was simply magical against the Sri Lankans as he sealed off a nearly impossible run chase for the Indians in a low scoring thriller.
Making his comeback into the game, Dhoni came in at a rather tricky situation with wickets continuously tumbling around him. In pursuit of a modest 202, Dhoni took the right decision of not trying anything fancy but just trying to take the game till the very end.
When the Indians lost their ninth wicket for 182, things seemed too bleak, but Dhoni stood as India’s only hope of winning the tri-series. With 15 needed off the last over, the stage was completely set for the game’s best ever finisher to showcase his class.
Dhoni swung viciously at the first ball and missed it as Shaminda Eranga bowled outside the off stump. The next ball, a gentle length ball, was deposited into the stands far away, and the look on Dhoni’s face was a vibrant one. The next delivery was a mistimed shot, which made its way for a boundary over point. Needing five to win, Dhoni dispatched the next ball over the boundary for a maximum to seal the game and series for India.
It was a display which amazed all viewers and was an instance of sheer brilliance from MS Dhoni. On the third anniversary of the episode, relive the epic finish in the video below.