Dipendra Singh Airee’s MS Dhoni-Like Six Stuns Fans in Nepal vs USA Match
Dipendra Singh Airee Channels MS Dhoni With Unbelievable One-Legged Six
In a spectacle that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee delivered a moment of pure improvisation that echoed the legacy of one of the game’s greats — MS Dhoni. During Nepal’s ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023–27 fixture against the USA, Airee pulled off a jaw-dropping, one-legged flamingo shot that left fans in awe and sparked instant comparisons to the former Indian captain.
A Shot That Defied Convention
Batting first, Nepal was well-positioned thanks to a 69-run opening stand between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh. Ishan Pandey’s fluent 84 off 83 balls further strengthened their innings. But it was the late fireworks from Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee that pushed Nepal toward a commanding total.
Airee, known for his explosive finishing, slammed 59 off just 36 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and four sixes. However, one of those sixes stood out — not just for its distance, but for its sheer audacity.
The Dhoni-Esque Masterpiece
Facing a wide delivery from Rushil Ugarkar — a ball so far outside off stump it would likely have been called a wide — Airee did the unthinkable. Instead of leaving it, he balanced on one leg, chipped the ball with pinpoint precision over the cover region, and sent it sailing into the stands.
The unorthodoxy of the shot, combined with its effortless execution, was a textbook Dhoni special. The legendary Indian skipper was famed for his ability to manufacture runs from seemingly impossible situations, and Airee’s flick mirrored that genius down to the timing and composure.
Image Credits: AFP/X
Nepal Posts 317/8 in Commanding Batting Display
Thanks to Airee’s explosive cameo and a 38-run partnership with Aarif Sheikh, Nepal managed to post a strong total of 317/8 in their 50 overs. The late surge proved crucial, giving their bowlers a comfortable cushion to work with.
Spinners Dominate in Nepal’s 122-Run Victory
In response, the USA batting lineup crumbled under scoreboard pressure. Sandeep Lamichhane led the attack with 3 wickets for 30 runs in his 10 overs. Dipendra Singh Airee backed up his batting heroics with 2 crucial wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi and Gulsan Jha also claimed two scalps each.
Sanjay Krishnamurthi was the lone bright spot for the USA, scoring 56 off 44 balls with brisk intent. However, no other batter offered significant resistance as the team was bowled out for 195 in 41.2 overs — handing Nepal a dominant 122-run victory.
Standings Update: USA Still Tops, Nepal Aims Higher
Despite the loss, the USA remains at the top of the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two table with 38 points from 28 matches. Nepal, with this win, climbs to fifth place with 24 points, keeping their qualification hopes alive with consistent performances.
Dipendra Singh Airee: Nepal’s Finishing Phenomenon
Beyond this viral shot, Airee’s credentials speak for themselves. He holds the record for the fastest T20I century, achieved in just 9 balls during the Asian Games — a feat that underlines his explosive capability.
In his T20I career, Airee has amassed 2,180 runs at a strike rate of 138, including one century and 89 sixes. With the ball, he’s no slouch either — 60 T20I wickets at an average of 20.43 confirm his status as a genuine all-rounder.
His finishing prowess, calm under pressure, and ability to innovate in crunch moments are traits that not only elevate Nepal’s game but also draw inevitable parallels to MS Dhoni.
Is Airee Becoming Nepal’s Dhoni?
While comparisons to legends should be made cautiously, Airee’s temperament, finishing ability, and flair for the dramatic make the analogy compelling. As Nepal continues to rise in international cricket, players like Airee are proving that raw talent, combined with fearless innovation, can shine on any stage.
One thing is certain — Dipendra Singh Airee isn’t just playing cricket. He’s creating moments that will be remembered long after the scores are forgotten.
