Story of 2011 Cricket World Cup Final
The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final was a historic match held on April 2, 2011, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. It was contested between two cricketing giants, India and Sri Lanka. Here's a detailed account of the match:
Background:
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was the tenth edition of the tournament, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It featured 14 teams competing for the prestigious title. Both India and Sri Lanka had performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, making it to the final stage.
Pre-Match Hype:
The final match generated immense excitement and anticipation among cricket fans worldwide, as two formidable teams prepared to battle it out for cricket's ultimate prize. India, led by MS Dhoni, was aiming to capture their second World Cup title, having won it previously in 1983. Sri Lanka, led by Kumar Sangakkara, was determined to clinch their second title, having emerged victorious in 1996.
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first.
Sri Lankan Innings:
- Sri Lanka made a solid start with openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga putting up a partnership of 60 runs.
- Dilshan played a brisk innings, scoring 33 runs off 49 balls.
- Kumar Sangakkara, the skipper, played a crucial innings, scoring 48 runs.
- Mahela Jayawardene played an outstanding innings under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs off just 88 balls, guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive total.
- Sri Lanka finished their innings with a total of 274/6 in 50 overs.
Indian Innings:
- India's chase began with a shock as the in-form Virender Sehwag was dismissed for a duck.
- Sachin Tendulkar, playing in his last World Cup, was aiming for his 100th international century but fell short, scoring 18 runs.
- Gautam Gambhir played a crucial innings, anchoring the chase with a well-compiled 97 runs.
- MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, promoted himself up the order and played a captain's knock, scoring an unbeaten 91 runs off just 79 balls.
- Dhoni sealed the victory with a towering six, finishing the match in style.
- India achieved the target in 48.2 overs, winning the match by 6 wickets.
Turning Point:
- The turning point of the match came in the 22nd over when Sachin Tendulkar was controversially given out LBW (leg before wicket) off the bowling of Suraj Randiv.
- Tendulkar's dismissal sparked debate and disappointment among Indian fans, as he fell short of his century in what could have been a dream moment for the cricketing legend on home soil.
Final Moments:
With the match finely poised, MS Dhoni promoted himself up the batting order and played a captain's innings, steering India towards victory. His six over long-on off Nuwan Kulasekara in the 49th over will forever be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans. Dhoni finished the match in style by hitting a towering six, securing India's triumph with 10 balls to spare.
Key Moments:
- Yuvraj Singh's all-round performance throughout the tournament, winning the Player of the Tournament award.
- Lasith Malinga's fiery bowling, especially his toe-crushing yorkers.
- Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni's crucial partnership of 109 runs for the fourth wicket, steadying the Indian innings after the early blows.
- Mahela Jayawardene's sublime century under pressure, which set up a competitive total for Sri Lanka.
Post-Match Celebrations:
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across India, with millions of fans rejoicing in the streets, waving the Indian tricolor, and cheering for their cricketing heroes. The Indian team was hailed as national heroes, with MS Dhoni praised for his calm and composed leadership throughout the tournament.
Man of the Match:
MS Dhoni was awarded the Man of the Match for his match-winning innings of 91* runs, which guided India to victory in the final.
Historical Significance:
This victory marked India's second Cricket World Cup triumph, with their previous win coming in 1983. It was a moment of immense pride for Indian cricket and a fitting farewell to legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who had dreamt of winning the World Cup for India throughout his illustrious career.
Conclusion:
The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final will forever be remembered as a watershed moment in Indian cricket history, marking the culmination of a memorable tournament and bringing joy to millions of cricket fans across the nation. It was a fitting tribute to the sport and its passionate followers.