Happy Birthday MS Dhoni Top 5 last overball finishes by the legend

Picture Credit: ICC/BCCI

When it comes to finishing it off in style in cricket, the first name that comes across everyone's mind is of former Indian captain - Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The young and charismatic boy from Ranchi went on to become one of the finest finishers in the game. As MSD turns 40 this year, let us have a look at few of his many legendary knocks where 'Captain Cool' kept his nerve and guided his national side or franchise to sensational wins in crunch situations.

1. Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL 2013)

As Chennai Super Kings were chasing a target of 160 runs, they lost a few quick wickets. With MSD struggling to find his rhythm in the middle, it looked like SRH will emerge victorious. But Mahi had other plans! Despite a difficult start to his innings, the wicketkeeper batsman started to get in his groove as he scored a few boundaries. With 15 runs required off the last over, Dhoni smashed a gigantic six off the bowling of Ashish Reddy. MSD put the pressure on the bowler and smashed two consecutive boundaries to seal the match for his side as he ended with 67* off 37 deliveries.

2. India vs Australia (2012 CB Series)

It was the 4th match of Commonwealth Bank series at Adelaide and India were chasing a huge target of 270 runs against Australia. MS Dhoni walked out to bat with the score reading 178/4 in 34.1 overs. The Indian skipper notched up some crucial partnerships with Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja as India needed 13 runs off the last over. As Ashwin played a dot delivery to start Clint McKay's over, he managed to give strike to MS on the next. With match going out of India's reach, Dhoni hit a huge six to get back into the game. McKay completely lost his focus as he bowled a waist-high no-ball where Mahi managed to sneak in a couple of runs. The Indian skipper ran three off the next ball to secure a spectacular victory for the Men in Blue .

3. Rising Pune Supergiant vs Kings XI Punjab - IPL 2016

As Rising Pune Supergiant were chasing a target of 173 runs, they found themselves in a state of bother with score reading 86/5 in 14th over. This is when MSD joined hands with Thisara Perera as they absolutely destroyed the bowlers of Punjab franchise. With 23 runs required off the last over, the wicketkeeper batsman went absolutely berserk as he smashed three huge sixes to seal the match for his side. It was pure destruction from MSD in Andhra Pradesh as he left everyone in shock with the pure carnage that happened in the final over. The 20th over read: 0, Wide, 6, 0, 4, 6, 6 as Dhoni ended his innings at 64* (32).

4. India vs Sri Lanka (Celkon Cup - 2013)

It was the finals of Celkon Mobile Cup 2013 and Sri Lanka had given India a modest target of 202 runs. However, the Men in Blue made a mess of the run-chase as they continuously kept losing wickets. With MSD at crease, India required 15 runs off the last over with only 1 wicket remaining. Shaminda Eranga bowled a dot delivery to start off the final over which put the pressure back on the then Indian captain. However, the match turned upside down in a matter of few minutes. MSD hit a six and a four off the next two deliveries before hitting another maximum to seal a famous win for his side. It was a typical MS Dhoni finish as India clinched the tri-series in Port of Spain against all odds.

5. Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab - IPL 2010

One of the best-ever finishes from MSD's bat came in IPL 2010 when Chennai Super Kings were chasing a huge target of 193 runs against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) to secure a spot in semi-finals. With CSK needing 16 runs off the final over, the onus was once again on Thala to produce something special. The match was certainly going down the wire as Irfan Pathan got set to bowl the decisive over. However, MSD was not in a mood to take the contest to last ball. The CSK skipper smashed a four and two sixes in the 20th over to seal one of the most thrilling wins for his side, with two balls remaining. MSD was adjudged as man of the match for his unbeaten 54-run knock off 29 deliveries.