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The haunting memory of July 10, 2019, at Old Trafford, Manchester, still sends shivers down the spines of cricket enthusiasts and brings tears to a billion Indian fans. It was the day when a brilliant throw from New Zealand's Martin Guptill led to the heart-wrenching run-out of former Indian captain MS Dhoni, crushing India's dreams of winning the Cricket World Cup.
Four years have passed, but the echoes of that fateful day continue to reverberate in the hearts of cricket lovers around the world. Amidst the heartbreak, it was Lockie Ferguson's bowling that changed the course of the match.
India, the tournament favourites, topped the points table, setting the stage for a crucial semi-final clash against New Zealand. The Kiwis set a target of 240 runs for India, an apparently modest total given India's strong batting lineup.
However, cricket's unpredictability came into play as the top order, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, fell quickly, leaving India at 5/3. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya tried to stabilise the innings with scores of 32 each, but their efforts couldn't turn the tide. Amidst this challenging situation, it was Lockie Ferguson's bowling that added immense pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
The situation looked bleak for India at 92/6. However, a glimmer of hope emerged as former captain Dhoni was joined by Ravindra Jadeja. Together, they forged a remarkable partnership of 116 runs for the seventh wicket, breathing life back into India's run chase. Jadeja, in particular, played an exceptional innings, scoring 77 runs off 59 balls before his dismissal.
In the context of the match, this decisive over played by Lockie Ferguson was a pivotal moment that added intense drama and pressure, setting the stage for the unforgettable run-out of MS Dhoni.
With 31 runs required off the final two overs, MS Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, ignited a glimmer of hope. In the 49th over, facing Lockie Ferguson, Dhoni smashed a spectacular six that reminded fans of his iconic six in the 2011 World Cup final. However, cricket is a game of fortunes that can change in an instant. The next delivery yielded a dot ball, mounting pressure on the veteran batsman.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Dhoni attempted to steal a couple of runs, hoping to inch closer to the target. But fate had other plans. Guptill, stationed in the deep, unleashed a throw that struck the stumps with unerring accuracy, leaving Dhoni agonisingly short of his crease.
Dhoni's dismissal for a valiant 50 marked the turning point of the match and signalled the end of India's hopes of reaching the final. In a candid reflection a year later, Dhoni expressed deep regret for not diving while attempting the second run, a moment he believed could have changed the outcome of the match. Amidst Dhoni's regret, Lockie Ferguson's bowling and overall skills played a pivotal role in creating the pressure that led to this unforgettable moment.
As cricket enthusiasts, we are often reminded that the sport is a game of fine margins, where a single decision or an inch here or there can shape the destiny of nations. The precise throw by Lockie Ferguson and Dhoni's unfortunate run-out will forever be etched in the annals of cricket history, serving as a poignant reminder of the sport's unpredictable and dramatic nature.
FAQs
What was the date of the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final match?
The fateful match took place on July 10, 2019, at Old Trafford, Manchester.
By whose bowling over was MS Dhoni run out in World Cup Semi-Final?
The over played by New Zealand's cricket sensation, Lockie Ferguson, was crucial in ousting Dhoni.
How did Lockie Ferguson contribute to creating pressure during the World Cup Semi Final?
The exceptional bowling skills and overall performance of Lockie Ferguson played a pivotal role in creating the pressure that led to the unforgettable run-out moment of MS Dhoni.
