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MS Dhoni Defied Cramps In Lone Battle Vs Pakistan; A Heroic Century Went In Vain

Akshita Patel

MS Dhoni's heroic ODI knock vs Pakistan [Source: @Shantanu Mishra Cricket/YouTube]MS Dhoni's heroic ODI knock vs Pakistan [Source: @Shantanu Mishra Cricket/YouTube]

On 30 December 2012, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, MS Dhoni went on to play one of the most courageous knocks of his life, turning a collapsing Indian innings into a competitive total. He defied odds and battled cramps to hit a hundred, but unfortunately, couldn’t save India.

India were rattled early by a fierce spell of swing bowling from Junaid Khan, who removed the top four Indian batters, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Yuvraj Singh, all bowled, leaving India rattled at 29/5 inside the first 10 overs. 

MS Dhoni’s Undying Spirit Resulted In An Extraordinary Century

In walked the Indian skipper, MS Dhoni, amidst the ruins, carrying the hopes of a nation accustomed to his rescue acts. He was cautious at the start, content with rebuilding the innings alongside Suresh Raina, with whom he added a crucial 73-run stand for the sixth wicket. 

But it was following Raina's dismissal that Dhoni really released his second gear. Battling severe cramps and exhaustion in the hot and humid Chennai weather, he partnered with Ravi Ashwin to forge an unbeaten 125-run stand.

His knock was a tale of two halves: the first fifty came off 86 balls, built on grit and rotation of strike, while the next 63 runs were pure aggression, scored off just 39 balls. 

Dhoni’s array of strokes included his signature helicopter shot, powerful pulls, and lofted shots down the ground. He hit 7 fours and 3 sixes and brought up his century with a six over extra cover.

The last 10 overs accounted for 81 runs, a period when Dhoni, although barely able to stand, had more than enough energy to take down the Pakistani bowlers.

Although India ultimately lost by six wickets as Nasir Jamshed anchored Pakistan’s chase with an unbeaten century, Dhoni was aptly awarded Player of the Match. His unbeaten 113 from 125 balls was not only a century; it was a clinic on crisis management and poise under pressure.