MS Dhoni not at all pleased with a wayward throw from Dinesh Karthik

India took on Afghanistan in their last Super 4 match on Tuesday in what turned out to be the most closely fought game of the tournament, and perhaps in this entire year. There were nerves, anticipation, excitement, and disappointment, all mixed together into a perfection concoction of cricket for global audiences. While the game had no consequence on which teams would progress further in the tournament – India have already qualified for the final of the Asia Cup while Afghanistan were only playing for pride.

The match was a heart-stopper, which ended as a tie. Afghanistan would have been mighty pleased to have toppled former World Champions India, but at the end of it all, nobody emerged as a winner. Afghanistan certainly won hearts, and more importantly will henceforth be considered as competitors rather than underdogs. The match began with the flamboyant Mohammad Shahzad batting in his usual fashion, the difference on Tuesday being that he stuck to the crease and brought up a blistering century.

Shahzad’s hundred which included 11 fours and 7 massive sixes powered Afghanistan to a respectable total of 252.  Given the way India have played throughout the Asia Cup, 252 would have felt insufficient. But then again, India were without their star openers Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Rohit Sharma. Since the latter was being rested, MS Dhoni got an opportunity to lead the side after almost 2 years, and also completed a personal milestone – he has now captained India for 200 ODIs.

Why did Dhoni lose his cool?

During the game however, MS Dhoni is not known to express his emotions, especially when he is leading the side. Dhoni has rightfully earned the accolade of Captain Cool, and even since he stepped down from captaincy, MSD has maintained the calm attitude the moment he steps onto the field. On Tuesday, Dhoni was rather disappointed with a wayward throw from Dinesh Karthik, and his disappointment at DK’s fielding effort was telling.

Here is the video

Dinesh Karthik attempted a run out at the non-striker’s end, but the batsman was comfortably home already. Karthik’s throw resulted in overthrows, and Afghanistan were able to sneak in an extra run. Dhoni’s body language suggested he was upset at the fielding from his side, and particularly looked at Karthik to say that he shouldn’t be attempting such run-outs as they are needless.

Karthik respectfully agreed to Dhoni’s orders from behind the stumps. Rashid Khan was able to defend seven runs in his final over to take the match to a thrilling tie. Afghanistan’s Asia Cup campaign, however, ended there, while India await the winner of the Bangladesh-Pakistan match that is scheduled for Wednesday.

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