Watch: When MS Dhoni Made Shahid Afridi Eat His Words

Not only did the world get a feel of what to expect from MS Dhoni in the coming days but it would have also sensed his cool and composed character when he played the monumental 148-run knock against Pakistan in 2005. Sent into bat at number three, MS Dhoni, who was relatively new in the team at that stage, was under tremendous pressure after a string of low scores and he would have surely felt the heat when Pakistan star Shahid Afridi tried to get under his skin.

The India wicketkeeper-batsman hit Afridi for a beautiful inside out shot and was treated with a barrage of verbal volleys by the Pakistan stalwart. However, in return Dhoni just gave a smile-a character which went on to define him in the coming years. And what followed thereafter was total carnage as Dhoni announced his arrival on the highest stage of the game in an incredible manner.

Playing only his fifth ODI, Dhoni was initially overshadowed y his illustrious batting partner Virender Sehwag. However, the stage was then solely taken by Dhoni following Sehwag’s departure after he slammed a 74 off just 40. Dhoni soon came into his elements and blasted his maiden ODI century. He went on to score 148 off just 123 balls with the help of four huge sixes and 15 fours. Afridi, who had tried to unsettle Dhoni at the start, also faced the wrath as he ended up conceding 82 runs in his nine overs.

Here is a clip of that knock after Afridi sledged Dhoni:

Coming to the match, India posted 356 runs in the designated 50 overs and won the match by 58 runs as Pakistan was bundled out for 298 runs in the 45th over. Dhoni was adjudged the Man of the Match for his stunning knock that will always remain fresh in every Indian cricket fan’s mind.

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