After coming under heavy criticism following some below-par performances with the bat in the 2017 Indian Premier League [IPL], MS Dhoni reminded everyone why he is still considered one of the best finishers in the world with a match-winning knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Dhoni notched up his first half-century of the season as he guided Rising Pune Supergiant to their third win of the season.
The former India captain came into bat at number four as Pune looked to chase down a target of 177. He initially took his time to have a look, before launching into the Sunrisers bowlers at the back-end of the innings.
Even Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been the standout bowler in this season’s IPL, wasn’t spared by Dhoni as the Pune wicketkeeper-batsman hit two fours and one six to take 19 runs off the 19th over.
Needing two runs to win off the final ball of the match, Dhoni showed his experience by thumping the ball past cover for a boundary to complete a memorable win for his side.
Dhoni hit five fours and three sixes in his unbeaten innings of 61 runs from just 34 deliveries.
SOCIAL CHATTER
Ms Dhoni does what he's done with so much confidence over the years. What a champion knock. Great to watch 💪
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 22, 2017
What a pleasure watching @msdhoni operate like that! I see @KagisoRabada25 's making his debut for the @DelhiDaredevils tonight-exciting!
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 22, 2017
Champion stuff from @msdhoni , another day at work. The IPL is ready and ripe now. 🎉#RPSvSRH
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) April 22, 2017
Great win by @RPSupergiants .Good to see @msdhoni doing his thing again.!!!
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) April 22, 2017
Anhoni ko honi kar de @msdhoni !
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 22, 2017
Brilliant ,absolutely brilliant.#RPSvSRH
We tried our best but @msdhoni the finisher played outstanding. Well done.
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 22, 2017
So good @jetairways could accommodate a flight delay so we could watch the end of the Pune game! @msdhoni !!That flat 6 was ridic @IPL #IPL
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) April 22, 2017
Mahendra 'De Dana Dhan' Dhoni #IPL #RPSvSRH
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 22, 2017
The master still has it. #Dhoni
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 22, 2017