Dipendra Singh Airee’s MS Dhoni-Like Six Stuns Fans in Nepal vs USA Cricket Match

In a match that will be remembered for one of the most audacious shots in recent cricket history, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee delivered a moment of pure brilliance that echoed the legacy of MS Dhoni.

A Shot That Defied Convention

During the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023–27 fixture between Nepal and the USA, Airee unleashed a jaw-dropping, one-legged ‘flamingo’ chip shot that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Facing a wide delivery from Rushil Ugarkar, most batters would have let it pass. But not Airee.

Balancing on his left leg, he reached across his body and casually lifted the ball over cover for a six—a shot so reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s improvisational genius that fans immediately drew comparisons to the former Indian captain.

The delivery was so wide it likely would have been called a no-ball if left alone. Yet, Airee not only connected but cleared the ropes with effortless elegance. It was cricketing artistry at its finest—a blend of instinct, timing, and fearless innovation.

A Match-Shaping Knock

The shot was part of a bigger, impactful innings. Coming in during the death overs, Airee played the role of a true finisher, smashing 59 off just 36 balls. His explosive knock included four boundaries and four sixes, providing the late momentum Nepal needed after solid contributions from the top order.

Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh laid the foundation with a 69-run stand, while Ishan Pandey anchored the middle phase with a composed 84 off 83 balls. But it was Airee and captain Rohit Paudel who accelerated in the final overs, stitching a 38-run partnership that propelled Nepal to a commanding total of 317/8.

Nepal’s Dominant Bowling Display

With the ball, Nepal continued their dominance. Sandeep Lamichhane led the charge with 3 wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs, maintaining tight lines and extracting steady turn. Supporting him were Lalit Rajbanshi, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Gulsan Jha, each picking up two wickets.

The USA’s chase never gained momentum. Despite a gritty 56 off 44 balls from Sanjay Krishnamurthi, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Chasing 318, the USA were bowled out for 195 in 41.2 overs, suffering a comprehensive 122-run defeat.

Where Do Nepal and USA Stand?

Despite the loss, the USA remain at the top of the points table with 38 points from 28 games. Nepal currently sit in fifth place with 24 points, but performances like this remind everyone of their potential to upset higher-ranked teams on their day.

Is Airee Nepal’s Answer to MS Dhoni?

The question isn’t far-fetched. Dipendra Singh Airee has long been known for his explosive finishing ability. He holds the record for the fastest T20I century—achieved in just 9 balls during the Asian Games—a feat that stunned even seasoned cricket analysts.

In his T20I career, Airee has amassed 2,180 runs at a strike rate of 138, including one century and 89 sixes. But he’s not just a batter. With 60 T20I wickets at an average of 20.43, he’s a genuine all-rounder capable of influencing games with both bat and ball.

While comparisons to Dhoni should be made with care, Airee’s calm under pressure, ability to clear the boundary in tight situations, and unorthodox shot selection make the parallels hard to ignore.

As Nepal continues to grow in the international cricketing landscape, Dipendra Singh Airee stands as one of its brightest stars—a player who plays with heart, flair, and fearless creativity.