A throwback to one of MS Dhoni’s most iconic finishes, when 16 runs in the final over stood no chance against the calm of Captain Cool and the carnage of his blade
On April 18, 2010, the mountains of Dharamsala witnessed a clash that was more than just another IPL league match. Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), out of playoff contention, faced Chennai Super Kings, who hoped to reach the top four. The day turned dramatic — a game later termed "vintage Dhoni. "
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Kings XI started off strong, with Shaun Marsh in great form and Irfan Pathan contributing, reaching 192 for 3. Few teams chased such totals in 2010, especially needing 29 runs from the last two overs. But this wasn't just any player. This was MS Dhoni, ready to change the game.
Punjab's innings marked a definitive statement of the season. Mahela Jayawardene swung hard, Sangakkara batted beautifully, and Shaun Marsh (88*) stepped in when they fell quickly. Taking his time, he found his rhythm and then transformed the game into a highlight reel. Irfan Pathan also added a quick 44*. The pair amassed 99 runs in the final eight overs, leading Punjab to a strong 192 for 3.
Chennai's chase was shaky. Matthew Hayden and Murali Vijay, both explosive in the Powerplay, fell to Ramesh Powar. With the score at 26 for 2, yellow-clad fans grew anxious. Then came the turnaround. An in-form Suresh Raina attacked Punjab. Together with S Badrinath, who batted ahead of Dhoni, they revived the innings.
They smartly found gaps, hit a few big shots, and kept the chase alive. Raina scored 46 with exciting strokes, but his exit in the 10th over threatened to derail progress as Badrinath reached 53 at a near 150 strike rate before falling in the 17th. It remained anyone's game.
When Dhoni walked in, Chennai still needed 61 from 28 balls. He nudged singles and ran hard but never lost sight of the big picture. As the 19th over loomed, they still required 29 from 12.
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Up stepped Juan Theron. He had haunted Chennai in their previous encounter. This time, he was the hunted. The over began with two cracking boundaries from Dhoni. A top edge followed, nearly caught, but he survived. Theron clawed it back with three singles, but the damage was done. Chennai now needed 16 off the final over.
Irfan Pathan had bowled the final over to Chennai just days earlier and restricted them to nine runs. But this time, Dhoni wasn't sharing the strike with a tailender. This time, it was personal.
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The first ball — almost a yorker — was dug out by Dhoni and slapped wide of long-off for four runs. The second ball — a slower one — was mistimed, but two more runs were added. Then came the moment of madness. The third ball soared over wide long-on, out of the ground. Six runs, momentum, adrenaline — all swinging Chennai's way.
Three balls left. Four runs are needed. Dhoni doesn't wait. Another mighty swing. Another six over long-on.
And then came the roar — a rare show of emotion. Helmet-punch, teammates racing in, Punjab players slumped. Dhoni had done it again.
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With that six, Dhoni secured a spot in the semi-finals for CSK and created a memory that IPL fans will cherish for years. His unbeaten 54 off just 29 balls included 5 fours and 2 sixes — a masterclass in controlled destruction.
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Exactly a year later, almost to the day, the script repeated itself — on a much grander stage. On April 2, 2011, under the glaring lights of Wankhede, Dhoni once again stood tall when India needed him the most. A towering six to finish off the World Cup final. Same signature swing. Same calm demeanour. Same eruption from the crowd. That IPL knock? It was merely the trailer. What followed was cricketing cinema at its finest.
