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On This Day In 2009: Dhoni-Sehwag's Brutal Assault Powered India To 400-Plus Total vs Sri Lanka

Rajgeeta Yadav

India and Sri Lanka played out a humdinger in Rajkot [Source: ICC/X.com]India and Sri Lanka played out a humdinger in Rajkot [Source: ICC/X.com]

It’s been 15 years since India and Sri Lanka delivered one of the most unforgettable ODIs in cricket history, pushing the boundaries of the game. The match, held on December 15, 2009, in Rajkot, is remembered as one of the highest-scoring encounters ever.

This was the opening match of Sri Lanka’s Tour of India, and both teams were ready to put on a show. The stage was set for an exciting contest between two Asian powerhouses, both known for their explosive batting. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat at the iconic Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground.

From the very beginning, India star players Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar took charge, forming a partnership that had the crowd roaring. They put together 154 runs before the first drinks break. Sehwag, in typical fashion, was in blazing form. He brought up his century in just 66 balls, smacking 12 boundaries and 5 sixes. But soon after, Tendulkar was dismissed by Dilhara Fernando, having scored 69 runs from 63 balls, with 10 fours and 1 six to his name.

MS Dhoni Joins Sehwag To Forge An Unstoppable Partnership

Then came MS Dhoni, who joined Sehwag in what looked like another unstoppable partnership. The two kept the runs flowing, but Sehwag’s powerful innings was eventually brought to a halt by Chanaka Welegedara in the 36th over. A few overs later, Dhoni was also dismissed by Fernando, but not before making a strong 72 runs.

India’s top-order displayed brilliant batting, and the team finished with a total of 414/7. It was now up to Sri Lanka to chase down this monumental target.

In response, Sri Lankan openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan started strongly. The duo piled on the runs, putting together a massive 188-run stand. But just as they looked like they might pull off a stunning chase, India’s Suresh Raina struck, breaking the partnership and giving India a much-needed breakthrough.

In the end, Men In Blue managed to hold their nerve and edge out Lankans by just three runs, securing a win. Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag’s blistering 146-run knock earned him the Player of the Match award.