On This Day: MS Dhoni Announced His Arrival On The International Stage With A Spectacular 148-Run Knock Against Pakistan

On this day, April 5, 2005, a long-haired young MS Dhoni announced his arrival on the international stage with a spectacular 148-run knock against Pakistan. Playing at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Dhoni showcased his power-hitting skills for the world in the second ODI of the six-match series. In a display of sheer dominance, Dhoni's explosive innings of 148 runs from 123 balls comprised 15 fours and 4 towering sixes. The famous knock took India to a commanding total of 356/9 in fifty overs. Defending their massive score, Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Ashish Nehra's four-wicket haul, bundled out Pakistan for 298, securing a memorable victory.

Young MS Dhoni tore Pakistan apart with a spectacular 148-run knock

Former India and CSK captain MS Dhoni kickstarted his international cricket journey with a stunning 148-run innings against Pakistan at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Partnering with Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, Dhoni's explosive batting propelled India in the second ODI of the six-match series after Sachin Tendulkar's early dismissal, marking the beginning of his legacy in limited-overs cricket.

A long haired young man stepped in and the rest is history! 💯 #WhistlePodu #AndhaNaalNyaabagam #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/ceM9ghNOFS

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 5, 2024

MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag put up a batting masterclass, unleashing a blistering 96-run partnership. After Sehwag departed for 74, Dhoni joined forces with Rahul Dravid, stitching a formidable 149-run stand. Dhoni marked the beginning of his illustrious 350-ODI career with a monumental knock. His highest score of 183 against Sri Lanka is etched in cricketing folklore.

Playing against Pakistan in 2005 at Visakhapatnam, MS Dhoni scored his first ODI century. His brilliant knock of 148 runs in just 123 balls helped Team India🇮🇳 post a huge total of 359 and win the match comfortably.#MSDhoni #HappyBirthdayDhoni@msdhoni @BCCI @GCAMotera pic.twitter.com/BJjrBD8ury

— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) July 7, 2023

Beyond individual achievements, Dhoni led India to victory in all three major ICC tournaments - T20 World Cup, 50-over World Cup, and claiming the ICC Test mace. Renowned as one of the world's best finishers, Dhoni continues to showcase his prowess while representing Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. His strategic brilliance has led CSK to five IPL titles, further cementing his status as an all-time legendary cricketer.

MS Dhoni recently became the first Indian wicketkeeper and third overall behind Quinton de Kock and Jos Buttler to reach 7000 T20 runs. During his quickfire knock against Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024 season, the 42-year-old smashed Anrich Nortje for 20 runs in the final over, smashing with two sixes. Consequently, Dhoni has become the first to hit 100 sixes in the 19th and 20th over of an innings.

The Punch.ev Electric Striker of the Match between @DelhiCapitals & @ChennaiIPL goes to MS Dhoni#TATAIPL | @Tataev | #PunchevElectricStriker | #BeyondEveryday | #DCvCSK pic.twitter.com/xcxMA7zOhS

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 31, 2024