MS Dhoni acknowledges the crowd: The Indian wicket-keeper batsman was seen waving at the crowd after sealing tense chase at Adelaide.

During the second ODI of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia at Adelaide, former India captain and current wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni scored his 69th ODI half-century to seal the chase for India in the last over.

After India captain Virat Kohli got out after scoring a fantastic 39th ODI century, the onus was on Dhoni and incoming batsman Dinesh Karthik to steer the team. Dhoni, who came in to bat at No. 6, had played 34 balls by this point and was well set.

The duo stood tall on the expectations to complete the run-chase in the last over. Dhoni ended up scoring 55* (54) with the help of a couple of sixes. On the other hand, Karthik’s vital contribution saw him scoring 25* (14) with the help of a couple of fours.

Their respective innings were crucial for both the players as both of them had a point to prove to both the Indian team management and the fans. Dhoni, who has received enough backing from the management, must be relieved to be back among finishing matches for India as it was something he failed miserably at in the last year or so.

Karthik’s cameo was vital for him staking a claim at the No. 6 role in India’s ODI line-up. The 33-year old cricketer has been preferred at the same role in the recent times.

Speaking during the press conference after the match, Karthik hailed Dhoni’s ability to absorb pressure during tense situations. “It is great to watch him bat, finish off the innings. We know he can absorb pressure and release it back to the opposition when the time is right. That has always been his strength and we saw a perfect example of that today,” he said.

MS Dhoni acknowledges the crowd

After winning the match, Dhoni was witnessed waving at the crowd and shaking hands with people who were cheering him for his match-winning innings. Watch the full video below: