Ferguson Remembers Dhoni’s Leave and Six in 2019 Semifinal
It might be six years on from India’s World Cup 2019 semifinal loss to New Zealand, but fans still remember it vividly. India’s painful exit, after a top-order collapse, left the nation heartbroken. MS Dhoni’s dismissal marked the end of his international career, making the defeat even more unforgettable.
One of the most striking moments came when MS Dhoni, with 52 runs needed off 31 balls, chose not to play at a Lockie Ferguson delivery outside off-stump. The decision stunned fans, and it remains a much-discussed highlight on social media.
Ferguson, reflecting on the delivery, shared his thoughts in an interview with Crictracker.
“I can’t remember what they were needing to chase at the time, but I knew they had to score a few runs,” he said. “The plan was to bowl and see if MS would undercut it, and he left it. So I was surprised because naturally, when you’re bowling, you’re trying to restrict runs, then it’s nice when a batter leaves it.”
At that stage, India were six wickets down, and Ravindra Jadeja was striking hard at the other end. Dhoni’s leave might have been a tactical move to give Jadeja strike for the next over.
Dhoni Hits the Same Ball for Six Next Over
Ferguson soon returned and bowled a similar delivery in the 49th over. This time, Dhoni carved it over backward point for six. The Kiwi pacer still remembers the moment.
“But I think the next over, the first ball, I tried again, and he just got it over the boundary for six. So the plan almost worked the second time as well,” Ferguson explained. “But it was nice to get him out that game and, of course, get across the line in the semi-final.”
Two balls later, Dhoni suffered one of cricket’s most heartbreaking exits. Martin Guptill produced a stunning one-handed pick-up and direct throw to run out Dhoni by inches.
A Defining Memory in Cricket History
The 2019 semifinal remains etched in the minds of Indian fans. Dhoni’s leave, his six, and the run-out still spark endless debates. Many believe the result could have changed if just those moments went differently.
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