MS Dhoni has scripted many miraculous finishes throughout his decorated career. One of them came during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in 2018. It was on April 25 of that year when Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings faced off against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Taking advantage of the batting-friendly surface, both teams breached the 200-run mark. CSK had the last laugh in the high-scoring contest on the back of a fiery 70-run knock by Dhoni.
The CSK captain won the toss and sent the hosts to bat first. RCB got off to a great start, scoring 35 runs in the first 4.1 overs. Shardul Thakur gave CSK an important breakthrough by dismissing Kohli. Then came AB de Villers who joined hands with his former national teammate Quinton de Kock.
The South African duo went all guns blazing and stitched a 103-run partnership for the second wicket. De Villers appeared at his devastating best, smashing 68 runs off just 30 deliveries.
RCB were dominating the proceedings when Imran Tahir was brought into the attack. The Proteas spinner sent off De Villiers and Corey Anderson off successive deliveries in the 15th over. The home side, however, managed to reach 200, thanks to a 32-run cameo by Mandeep Singh.
Washington Sundar also demonstrated his batting talent. The Indian all-rounder scored a four and a six in the final over, helping RCB produce 205 runs in 20 overs.
A target of 206 is never safe at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, given the small dimensions of the ground. However, RCB bowlers were pulling all the strings and were in control of the match. At the end of nine overs, CSK were reeling at 74/4.
That’s when MS Dhoni took over the charge, joining hands with Ambati Rayudu. The duo racked up 101 runs together. Rayudu anchored the innings by holding one end while Dhoni kept the scoreboard ticking.
Rayudu lost his wicket due to an unfortunate run-out after scoring a 53-ball 82. It, however, didn’t dampen Dhoni’s indomitable spirit. Instead, it might have given him extra motivation to wrap up the game all by himself.
Dhoni scored 14 runs in the 19th over, taking his team close to the victory line.
Dwany Bravo smashed Corey Anderson for a four and a six on the first two deliveries of the final over to ease the pressure. Dhoni came to the strike when CSK required five runs off the last three balls.
Doing justice to his reputation, the World Cup-winning skipper slammed a monstrous six as the visitors won the match by five wickets.
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