Top 5 best innings of Dhoni in ODI cricket

We will take a look at the top 5 best innings of Dhoni in ODI cricket. Having played a lot of match winning innings, it’s tough to choose just 5, but still here we go:

1. History created at the Wankhede

Dhoni plays a shot during the 2011 world cup final

It was the final of the 2011 World Cup and the entire country watched on with bated breath as India took on Sri Lanka at the Wankhede. India had last won the World Cup way back in 1983 and had been humiliated by Australia in the 2003 final. Winning at the Wankhede would have meant India exorcising the ghosts of 2003 and giving a fitting farewell to Sachin Tendulkar, who was playing in his last World Cup.

A classy 103 by Mahela Jayawardene propelled Sri Lanka to a challenging total of 274.

Chasing 275, India looked in all sorts of trouble as a charged up Lasith Malinga dismissed both Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar early on to leave India reeling at 31/2.

Though Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli steadied the innings and took India past the 100 run mark, Kohli fell with the score at 114, and to everyone’s surprise, Dhoni promoted himself up the order and walked in to bat.

The move proved to be a master stroke as the skipper put on a match winning 109-run partnership with Gambhir, which took the game away from the Lankans.

After Gambhir’s departure (a fighting 97), Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh put on 54 for the fifth wicket; Dhoni sent the entire country into delirium when he smashed home a six off Kulasekara to win India only it’s second World Cup.

2. Encore at Jaipur

Six months later, India took on Sri Lanka at Jaipur. The Lankans batted first and left India with a target of 299 to chase, thanks to a superb 138 by Kumar Sangakkara.

India were left with the same scenario once again, as Tendulkar got out cheaply to Chaminda Vaas and Dhoni joined Virender Sehwag out in the middle.

It was Vizag repeated once again as Dhoni came out firing all cylinders and smashed home an unbeaten 183 (15 fours and 10 sixes) off 145 balls.

Dhoni’s knock was brutal to say the least, as he bettered his previous best of 148. The Jharkand lad put on important partnerships with Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh as India won comfortably with six wickets in hand and almost four overs to spare.

The knock remains the highest ever score by an Indian wicketkeeper in ODIs till date.

3. Whirlwind at Lahore

Pakistan had scored a mammoth 288 in the 3rd ODI at Lahore (2006), courtesy Shoaib Malik’s ton(108) and Abdul Razzaq’s fighting 64.

Chasing 289 in overcast conditions, India lost Gautam Gambhir and Irfan Pathan early on to Mohammad Asif, who was swinging the ball around devilishly.

Though a masterful 95 from Sachin Tendulkar ensured that India did cross the 150 run mark, with India tottering on at 190/5, Dhoni joined forces with Yuvraj Singh.

And what followed next was a treat for batting fans as the two creamed the Pakistani bowling all around the park, adding 1o2 in just 13 overs.

Dhoni hit 13 fours in a quickfire 72 off 46 balls and was provided able support by Yuvraj (79 off 87 balls) at the other end, as they finished off the match, with Dhoni slamming a four off Razzaq.

India later went on to win the series 4-1.

4. The ‘Ice man’ at Adelaide

Very unlike the above mentioned knocks, the 44 at Adelaide against the Aussies in 2012 ranks amongst one of Dhoni’s calmest knocks under pressure.

India were chasing a challenging 270 run target in the fourth match of the CB series and lost Gautam Gambhir with the score at 178/4. Dhoni joined Suresh Raina and put on 61 for the fifth wicket which helped steady the Indian innings. After Raina fell, Dhoni put on 18 more with Ravindra Jadeja which ensured that India needed 13 to win off the last over.

And what followed was a frantic finish as he hit nine runs in two deliveries off Clint Mckay(6, 3), and powered India to a thrilling win.

5. Port of Spain magic

Dhoni and Ishant celebrating a magical win

It was the tri series final against Sri Lanka at Port of Spain. Dhoni who hadn’t played the previous matches due to an injury played in this final. He still wasn’t even 90% fit, but decided to go ahead and give his best shot.

Chasing 202 to win, India were right on track, but the lankan bowlers hit back with quick wickets and Dhoni was left to bat with the tail. One by one they all got out and finally the 11th man Ishant joined the captain. 17 were required off the last two overs and Dhoni had asked Ishant to block the over which Ishant did before taking a couple of the last ball. The stage was set for the final over. 15 were needed and the bowler was Eranga. Dhoni missed the first ball and but hit a six of the next bring the equation down to 9 from 4. The next two balls were smashed for a four and a six and he had simply done it again for India.

*Updated on May 26, 2014