Twitter Reactions: MS Dhoni belts a magnificent century against Bangladesh in World Cup warm-up game

For MS Dhoni, the 2019 World Cup is perhaps even bigger than 2011. That year, he had made history with one last six while this year, he is under pressure to create history even before the first ball of the tournament has been bowled. The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman knows that it will not take too long for the critics to take their daggers out if he fails to deliver in the next month and a half. And the man showed that he is in no mood to give up in the warm-up game against Bangladesh in Cardiff on Tuesday.

Bangladesh won the toss and asked India to bat first. Shikhar Dhawan went early and even though Virat Kohli scored 47 and KL Rahul held the other end together, India slumped to 102 for 4 in the 22nd over. The top order was done with and the scoring rate was not too great either. In came Dhoni and turned the table around with Rahul.

The duo added 164 runs in just over 21 overs before Rahul fell for a magnificent 108. Dhoni, who fell for a poor 42-ball 17 in the last match, completely overhauled his approach this time and belted a hundred himself. While his strike rate against New Zealand was 40.47, against Bangladesh, it was over 140. The ace batsman reached his 100 in just 73 balls and as usual, with a six.

Although Dhoni is still electric with his glovework, he had to regain the fans’ trust over his batting after a dry 2018. The Ranchi cricketer stormed back into form with the bat in the three-match ODI series in Australia earlier this year, hitting three consecutive half-centuries. He also had a productive Indian Premier League (IPL) this year like the last and although former cricketer like Sanjay Manjrekar advised not to expect the man batting in the World Cup like he does in the IPL, Dhoni is someone who loves to prove everybody wrong.

Dhoni continued with his hitting after Rahul departed

Dhoni accelerated the scoring rate once Rahul departed in the 44th over and added over 50 runs with Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket in less than four overs. Indian fans will be earnestly hoping that the Men in Blue deliver at this rate in the actual tournament starting day after tomorrow.

Twitter was happy to see vintage Dhoni and came up with the following reactions:

Another day, another six another feat and look at his strike rate!! Mahi the finisher is looking ????????????#CWC19 #INDvBAN

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) May 28, 2019

Rahul showing his class , looked so much at ease in a fine century. And Dhoni showing what he is made of, smashing hundred. The middle order in form at the right time for India. #BANvIND

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 28, 2019

So many questions answered by this @klrahul11 century! Must be a great feeling to enter the tournament with with a ton behind you????#BANvIND #CWC19Warmup

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) May 28, 2019

A 73-ball hundred from @MSDhoni which includes 6 sixes. #CWC19Warmup pic.twitter.com/memlhfANYb

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 28, 2019

Look who’s joined the party ????????

MS Dhoni brings up a quick fire ???? in the warm-up game against Bangladesh ???????? pic.twitter.com/dtqPwVNktW

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 28, 2019

This is the Dhoni that we have seen over the years, we wanted to see and we want to see. What timing!#INDvBAN

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) May 28, 2019

One of the best of @msdhoni and @klrahul11 – will keep the India drawing room warm too #IndvsBan

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) May 28, 2019

There is only finisher in this world

There is only one MS Dhoni ????????

What a way to start! ????????

Saw glimpses today, looking forward to see him unleash the beast in the Tournament! ????#msd #INDvBAN

— Vijayendra Kosigi (@kosigi_vijay11) May 28, 2019

Really happy to see Dhoni in right set of mind. Soon after he had almost done his job he was smiling inside. Beautiful to watch. #INDvBAN

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 28, 2019

Breaking up #Dhoni Acceleration System !! #INDvBAN MS Dhoni
14 of 20 b
24 of 25 b
39 of 35 b
62 of 49 b
79 of 65 b
105 of 73 b
113 of 78 balls. pic.twitter.com/CQSHiod3ht

— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) May 28, 2019

India were 88/3 after 20 overs.

Finished with 359/7 after 50 overs.

Tells you why they back their game the way they do. The challenge is to get that acceleration 271/4 in 30 overs vs better bowling sides. #CWC19 #EkCupAur

— Nikhil ???? (@CricCrazyNIKS) May 28, 2019

Best thing about Dhoni’s innings was he really put the bad ball away no matter what stage of his innings. Did slow down after the fifty but recovery was satisfying. #INDvBAN

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 28, 2019

A big hit from MS Dhoni & the ball is out of the stadium. #CWC2019 #CWC19Warmup

(Photo Source: Hotstar) pic.twitter.com/vwEspnBiuT

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 28, 2019

Stop whatever you’re doing and watch MS Dhoni bat!#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #INDvBAN

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 28, 2019