Mahendra Singh Dhoni becomes first Indian keeper to cross 300 dismissals

NAPIER: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today became the first Indian wicketkeeper and the fourth overall to effect 300 dismissals in One Day Internationals when he caught a Ross Taylor nick in the opening ODI against New Zealand here today. Prior to the series, Dhoni had 299 dismissals (220 caught and 79 stumpings).

He now joins a legendary club which features the celebrated trio of Australia's Adam Gilchrist (472), Sri Lankan veteran Kumar Sangakkara (443) and South Africa's Mark Boucher (425). Of the three international stars, only Sangakkara is an active player.

Dhoni achieved the record off young pacer Mohammed Shami's bowling in the match here. In the 37th over of the game, Shami got Taylor to play a tired shot outside off which only took the edge on the way to Dhoni. Besides, Dhoni has now surpassed Mohammed Azharuddin for most number of catches against New Zealand by an Indian captain. His catch of Taylor was his 10th against the Kiwis.