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[WATCH] MS Dhoni's Heartbreaking Run-Out That Led to India's World Cup 2019 Exit

image-ljwhvlaoMS Dhoni left the field in tears (Twitter)

On this day, in 2019, the cricketing world collectively held its breath as one of the most significant moments in World Cup history unfolded. 

OTD in 2019: Dhoni's run-out that shocked a billion fans

Fans worldwide watched in dismay as former Indian captain and finishing maestro, MS Dhoni fell short of his crease in the all-important ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final match against New Zealand.

The heartbreaking moment became symbolic of India's agonizingly close yet elusive attempt to reach the World Cup final. As the unfortunate event completes four years, let’s take a look at the final stretch of that intense game and the events leading up to Dhoni's fateful run-out.

The match, originally scheduled for July 9 at Old Trafford, was carried over to the reserve day due to incessant rain. New Zealand had set a target of 240 runs, not a huge score, but tricky enough on a slow pitch against a disciplined Kiwi attack.

The Indian team had a disastrous start, with the top order collapsing early. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, three of India's most reliable batsmen, fell for a combined total of just three runs. Despite the loss of key wickets, hope was still alive, primarily because Dhoni was still in the wings.

The veteran finisher walked in at a time when India was reeling at 71-5. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, he started a rescue mission. The duo stitched together a century partnership, slowly but surely, getting India closer to the target. Jadeja played a storming innings of 77 off 59 balls, while Dhoni played the anchor, scoring at a more measured pace.

Jadeja's dismissal in the 48th over shifted the spotlight solely onto Dhoni. The stage was set for another typical "Captain Cool" finish. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Martin Guptill, who had a quiet World Cup with the bat, found his moment of redemption in the field.

In the penultimate over, Dhoni whipped Lockie Ferguson's delivery to square leg and attempted to steal a second run to keep the strike. Guptill collected the ball and threw it directly onto the stumps in one fluid motion. 

Dhoni, often hailed for his quick running between the wickets, fell excruciatingly short of his ground. The on-field umpire referred it to the third umpire, and the big screen flashed 'OUT', much to the disbelief of Indian fans worldwide.

The legendary finisher's heartbreaking run-out marked the end of India's World Cup dream in 2019. As he trudged off the field, there was an outpouring of emotions from fans and fellow players alike. The image of a dejected Dhoni, walking back with teary eyes still makes every cricket fan emotional.