ENG vs NZ: Lockie Ferguson Recalls MS Dhoni's Run-Out During Semi-Final Match In 2019 ODI World Cup

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson reminisced about former Indian skipper MS Dhoni during the semi-final match of the 2019 ODI World Cup. Lockie Ferguson highlighted that MS Dhoni’s changed the momentum towards his team in the must-win encounter in England.

Ferguson bowled the penultimate over of the match when India needed 31 runs off 12 balls. Dhoni had hit a six off the first ball, but faced a dot ball on the next delivery. The right-handed batter was dismissed by Martin Guptill’s direct hit while attempting a double on the third ball.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Lockie Ferguson lauded MS Dhoni’s ability to finish matches, but his wicket provided comfort to his team. He also mentioned how surreal it was to win that game and celebrate afterward.

“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.

The Men in Blue lost by 18 runs in the semi-final match against New Zealand at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 9, 2019. The match turned into Dhoni’s last appearance in international cricket.

He’s With The Helicopter Off His Pads – Lockie Ferguson

The tearaway pacer revealed his strategy against MS Dhoni, saying he tried to force him not to play his favourite helicopter shot.

“I know how strong he’s with the helicopter off his pads, so I thought he was letting deliveries go to let me bowl towards him,” he further added.

“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.

Martin Guptill Didn’t Quite Have The Tournament – Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson praised Martin Guptill for his incredible throw that resulted in Dhoni’s run-out, expressing his happiness for his teammate’s exceptional performance.

“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,” he concluded.

Also read: Lockie Ferguson All Set To Lead New Zealand For The First Time In An ODI Series Against Bangladesh