MS Dhoni made a strong comeback in the recent 3-match ODI series against Australia. The wicket-keeper batsman from Ranchi was named man of the match as he led India to a 2-1 series win.
Dhoni had been struggling with his batting, and many fans doubted his place in the ODI team. However, he silenced his critics with his outstanding performances.
The 37-year-old will next play against New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series. The last time India toured New Zealand for an ODI series, they lost 4-0.
Here are his 5 best innings against the Blackcaps:
5. 56 (44) at Hamilton, 22nd January 2014
In 2014, India played five cricket matches in New Zealand. In the first match, despite Virat Kohli scoring well, India lost. So, in the second match, they needed to win. The weather was rainy, so India chose to field first after winning the coin toss.
New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, scored 271 runs. Due to rain, India’s target was adjusted to 293 runs. India’s batsmen started well. MS Dhoni joined Virat Kohli after a teammate got out. Together, they scored some runs, but couldn’t win the match. Dhoni played well, hitting 7 fours and 1 six, but got out in the 40th over. India lost by 16 runs.
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4. 79*(73) at Hamilton, 28th January 2014
Six days later, India and New Zealand played another match in Hamilton. This time, New Zealand was already leading 2-0 in the series. India’s only hope was to tie the match, so their captain chose to bat first after winning the toss.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli started batting, but Kohli got out quickly. Then, Kyle Mills dismissed Ajinkya Rahane, leaving India at 22/2 in 8.2 overs. Ambati Rayudu and Rohit Sharma stabilized the innings, but Rayudu left after scoring 37 runs.
MS Dhoni came to bat at number 5 in the 26th over and scored 79 runs off 73 balls, boosting India’s total to 278/5 in 50 overs.
However, Ross Taylor’s century in the second innings led New Zealand to victory, despite Dhoni’s great batting.
3. 68 (58) at Christchurch, 8th March 2009
Back in 2009, India and New Zealand faced off in a one-day series. MS Dhoni played amazingly well during this time. In the third match, New Zealand’s captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and chose to field first. Early on, Virender Sehwag got out, followed by Gautam Gambhir.
But Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh kept India’s score rising steadily. They made a partnership of 138 runs before Yuvraj left after scoring 87 runs from just 60 balls. Then, Dhoni joined Tendulkar, and they kept attacking the New Zealand bowlers.
Tendulkar retired after scoring 163 runs, leaving Dhoni to carry on. With Suresh Raina, Dhoni added 44 runs quickly before he got out. Dhoni’s innings of 68 runs, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, was crucial in India’s victory.
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2. 80 (91) at Mohali, 23rd October 2016
In 2016, India and New Zealand played five one-day cricket matches against each other. Before the third match in Mohali, both teams had won one game each. New Zealand batted first and scored 285 runs. India needed 286 runs to win.
India didn’t start well, losing two early wickets. Then, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni played really well together. They scored 151 runs before Dhoni got out. But by then, India had already done enough to win comfortably by 7 wickets.
Dhoni scored 80 runs, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. This innings was very important for him as he was coming back into good form.
1. 84* (89) at Napier, 3rd March 2009
In the first game of the five-game series between India and New Zealand in 2009, MS Dhoni played one of his best games ever. His calm playing helped India win the match.
India chose to bat first. They started well, scoring 69 runs in the first 10 overs. Sachin Tendulkar got out in the 10th over. Surprisingly, MS Dhoni came in next to bat with Virender Sehwag. Dhoni stayed till the end, helping India reach 273/4 in 38 overs.
Due to rain, New Zealand had to chase 216 runs in 28 overs. But they only managed to score 162/9, falling short by 53 runs.
Dhoni got the man of the match award for his great play. He hit 6 fours at a strike-rate of 94.38.
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