Lockie Ferguson’s Trip Down Memory Lane: MS Dhoni’s Semifinal Run Out
In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, New Zealand paceman Lockie Ferguson recalled the pivotal moment when legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni was run out during the semifinal of the 2019 World Cup. This incident proved to be a game-changer, swinging the match entirely in favor of the Kiwis.
It was Lockie Ferguson’s over in which Dhoni was dismissed, and Ferguson vividly recounted the details of that unforgettable moment. Dhoni had hit a six on the first ball of the penultimate over during India’s chase, but Ferguson made a strong comeback with a dot ball on the next delivery. The former India captain attempted a double but was thwarted by Martin Guptill’s direct hit, bringing an end to his innings. India eventually lost the match by 18 runs, and it turned out to be Dhoni’s last international appearance.
| Event | Player | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Penultimate Over | MS Dhoni | Run Out (Martin Guptill) |
“You can say all the adjectives and superlatives you want about Dhoni. He is clutch, and he turns up during the big moments, so when you see the back of him, it gives you some comfort,” Ferguson told ESPNCricinfo. “Amazing to finish that game mid-afternoon and enjoy the celebrations. It was pretty surreal at the time,” he added.
Ferguson showered praise on MS Dhoni for his exceptional match-finishing abilities, emphasizing that when Dhoni walks back to the pavilion, it provides a sense of relief to the opposition. The New Zealand fast bowler cherished the moment when they secured victory and celebrated it in the midst of the match’s intensity.
Lockie Ferguson’s Strategy Against Dhoni
Lockie Ferguson also delved into the strategy he employed to outwit the iconic MS Dhoni. “I know how strong he is with the helicopter shot off his pads, so I thought he was letting deliveries go to let me bowl towards him. In the next over (49th), he was biding his time a little bit, and he hit that amazing shot just over the top of the point. That was a big boundary, and he managed to get it just over, so that forced me to go closer to him and get it up under his ribs,” Ferguson explained.
Martin Guptill’s Heroic Throw
Ferguson also lauded Martin Guptill, who played a pivotal role in Dhoni’s run-out with a sensational throw. “He tried to dab it down and come back for two. Guppy (Martin Guptill) didn’t quite have the tournament that he dreamt of, but, I think, for that moment, he was more than world-class. I was so happy for him. He’s one of the great fielders, and the thing I love about Guppy is: he always seems to do something special off my bowling,” Ferguson concluded.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, New Zealand will be traveling to India for the ODI World Cup. Once again, the responsibility will fall on Lockie Ferguson to trouble the opposition batters, given his valuable experience of the conditions gained through the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In conclusion, Lockie Ferguson’s recollection of the dramatic run-out of MS Dhoni in the 2019 World Cup semifinal serves as a poignant reminder of how cricketing moments can change the course of a match and the emotions of players and fans alike.