India vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Final 2011 Highlights
India’s Triumph: 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final Highlights
India etched their name in cricketing history by claiming their second ICC Cricket World Cup title with an emphatic six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a nail-biting final. Anchored by Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni, India chased down a formidable target of 275 to lift the coveted trophy after 28 years, delivering a moment of national pride in front of a packed Wankhede Stadium.
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| Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty |
Match Summary and Key Performances
Sri Lanka’s Innings
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 274/6 in 50 overs.
- Mahela Jayawardene stood out with an exquisite unbeaten 103 off 88 balls, featuring eight boundaries. His masterclass made him the second Sri Lankan to score a century in a World Cup final after Aravinda de Silva.
- Contributions from Kumar Sangakkara (48 off 67) and Tilakaratne Dilshan (33 off 49) ensured a steady foundation.
- Late fireworks came from Nuwan Kulasekara (32 off 30) and Thisara Perera (22* off 9), propelling Sri Lanka to a strong finish.
India’s bowlers kept their composure:
- Zaheer Khan claimed 2/60 and maintained tight control in the powerplay.
- Yuvraj Singh, continuing his all-round brilliance, picked 2/49, while Harbhajan Singh added a wicket.
India’s Historic Chase
India’s pursuit of 275 began on a shaky note, losing openers Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18) early to Lasith Malinga. But resilience from the middle order turned the tide.
- Gautam Gambhir steadied the ship with a gritty 97 off 122 balls. His knock, featuring nine boundaries, laid the foundation despite falling agonizingly short of a World Cup final century.
- Virat Kohli contributed a composed 35, adding a crucial 83-run stand with Gambhir for the third wicket.
- MS Dhoni then entered the fray and delivered a captain’s knock for the ages. Promoting himself up the order, Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, laced with 8 fours and 2 sixes. His authoritative six to seal the victory remains etched in cricket folklore.
- Yuvraj Singh capped off his all-round performance with 21 not out, supporting Dhoni to finish the chase in style.
Stats and Records
- India’s 277/4 marked the highest successful run chase in a World Cup final, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 242 in 1996.
- This victory made India the first team to win a World Cup at home.
- The 109-run partnership between Gambhir and Dhoni set a record for India’s fourth wicket against Sri Lanka in World Cups.
- Jayawardene became the sixth player to score a century in a World Cup final.
Player Honors
- Player of the Match: MS Dhoni for his game-changing 91* and strategic leadership.
- Player of the Tournament: Yuvraj Singh, for his exceptional all-round performance (362 runs and 15 wickets).
Legacy of the 2011 Final
This victory not only ended India’s 28-year World Cup drought but also marked an emotional farewell for Sachin Tendulkar, who finally realized his dream of lifting the trophy. The match is celebrated as one of the greatest moments in Indian cricket, showcasing teamwork, resilience, and brilliance under pressure.
