2011 Cricket World Cup Final: Full Scorecard Details

Hey cricket fans! Let's rewind the clock back to April 2nd, 2011. This was the day the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, buzzed with an electric atmosphere, all set to host the grand finale of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. It was a clash of titans: the co-hosts, India, facing off against the formidable Sri Lanka. This wasn't just any match; it was a battle for ultimate glory, a culmination of weeks of intense cricket, and a moment that would be etched in the memories of millions. The air was thick with anticipation, the stands were a sea of blue, and the pressure was immense. Winning the World Cup on home soil? That's the dream of every Indian cricketer and fan, and the stage was perfectly set for history to be made. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were a powerhouse, having reached the final in 1996 and boasting a squad filled with seasoned match-winners. They had already shown their mettle throughout the tournament, and they were not going to give up their dream of lifting the coveted trophy without a fight. The toss itself was a crucial moment, with the dew factor playing a significant role in the evening. As the captains walked out, you could feel the weight of expectation. This was more than just a game of cricket; it was a cultural phenomenon, a source of national pride, and a test of nerves for everyone involved. The journey to this final had been arduous for both teams, filled with incredible highs and nail-biting lows. India, after a somewhat shaky start, had found their rhythm, fueled by passionate home support. Sri Lanka, consistent and clinical, had navigated their path with impressive efficiency. Now, all those efforts, all that dedication, all that sweat and tears, boiled down to this one, epic encounter. The captains met, the coin spun, and the fate of the cricketing world began to unfold. The Wankhede stadium, a coliseum of cricket, was ready to witness history.

The First Innings: Sri Lanka Sets a Challenging Target

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final saw Sri Lanka, after winning the crucial toss, opt to bat first. And guys, they didn't disappoint! Openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga walked out to face the Indian pacers, and immediately, the intent was clear. Sri Lanka aimed to put India under pressure right from the get-go. Dilshan, known for his innovative 'Dilscoop' and aggressive strokeplay, started confidently, finding the boundary with ease. Tharanga, playing the perfect foil, was more circumspect initially but soon found his rhythm. Together, they laid a solid foundation, scoring at a brisk pace and unsettling the Indian bowling attack. The crowd, initially roaring with every dot ball, grew a little tense as the Sri Lankan openers continued to pile on the runs. However, the breakthrough came in the 14th over when Harbhajan Singh, the wily off-spinner, got Dilshan caught at slip for a well-made 53. It was a crucial wicket, but Sri Lanka was already in a commanding position. Then came the legend, Kumar Sangakkara, to the crease. Alongside Tharanga, he continued the momentum. Tharanga eventually fell for 60, but Sangakkara, ever the rock, held the innings together. The real fireworks, however, came from the experienced Mahela Jayawardene. Coming in at number 3, Jayawardene played an innings of pure class and composure. He wasn't just hitting the ball; he was orchestrating the innings, finding gaps, and punishing the loose deliveries. The Indian bowlers, despite their best efforts, struggled to contain the flow of runs. The middle overs saw the scoring rate continue to climb, with Jayawardene displaying his full range of strokes. Then, in the final overs, it was the turn of the veteran, 39-year-old Sanath Jayasuriya, who had come in as a surprise at number 4, to unleash his power. Though he couldn't convert his start, Angelo Mathews provided the late surge with a quick-fire 35. Jayawardene, the star of the show, remained unbeaten on a magnificent 103, a century in a World Cup final, a truly monumental achievement. He was the anchor, the strategist, and the finisher, guiding Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 274/6 in their allotted 50 overs. It was a score that made the entire nation of Sri Lanka believe, and it certainly put the Indian team under significant pressure heading into their chase. The Wankhede crowd, which had been roaring for India, fell into a slightly subdued mood, knowing their team had a massive task ahead.

The Second Innings: India's Historic Chase

Chasing 275 for glory in a World Cup final is never easy, guys, especially with the immense pressure of expectations from a billion fans. But India, led by the charismatic MS Dhoni, knew they had the firepower to get the job done. The Wankhede Stadium was a cauldron of noise as openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar walked out. Sehwag, known for his explosive starts, was unfortunately undone by a peach of a delivery from Lasith Malinga in the very first over – a duck! Talk about a heartbreaker. But that's the World Cup final for you, anything can happen. Suddenly, the Indian camp and the fans felt a collective gulp. However, the seasoned Gautam Gambhir joined the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar, at the crease. What followed was a partnership built on resilience and sheer grit. Gambhir, playing with remarkable composure, took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Malinga, who was proving to be a handful. Tendulkar, despite the early setback, looked in sublime touch, playing those classic shots that have defined his illustrious career. The crowd's energy surged with every boundary they hit. The Sri Lankans, however, were relentless. Malinga, with his slinging action, continued to trouble the Indian batsmen. Murali Muttiah, the spin wizard, was introduced, and he immediately put the brakes on the scoring. The pressure was mounting. Then, in the 33rd over, the entire nation let out a collective groan as Tendulkar, who had played beautifully for his 18, edged a Sangakkara delivery to the keeper. It was a huge moment, the departure of the most celebrated cricketer in the world in a final. But India's chase was far from over. In walked Yuvraj Singh, the man who would go on to be the Player of the Tournament. He joined Gautam Gambhir, who was playing the innings of his life. Gambhir, unfazed by the pressure, continued to accumulate runs, playing crucial shots and keeping the scoreboard ticking. He formed a vital partnership with Yuvraj Singh, and together, they weathered the storm. Gambhir eventually fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for a brilliant 97. It was a heartbreaking moment for him, but his contribution was monumental. The stage was now set for the captain, MS Dhoni, to play the role of the finisher. Along with Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni took charge, displaying nerves of steel. The chase was on, and the Indian dressing room was buzzing with belief. The Sri Lankan bowlers, though disciplined, had no answer to the calm aggression of Dhoni and the fiery determination of Yuvraj. The momentum had well and truly shifted. It was a chase that showcased the depth of India's batting and the mental fortitude of its players. The Wankhede Stadium was on its feet, sensing history.

The Iconic Finish: Dhoni Seals the Deal

And then, guys, it happened. The moment every Indian cricket fan had dreamt of for 28 long years. With India needing just a handful of runs, the skipper, MS Dhoni, decided it was time to end the match in style. The score was tight, the tension was palpable, and the Sri Lankan bowlers were desperately trying to find a way back. Yuvraj Singh, who had played a masterful supporting role, was at the other end, his eyes fixed on his captain. Dhoni, cool as ever, had taken the game deep, showcasing his incredible finishing abilities. He had absorbed the pressure, rotated the strike, and punished the bad balls. As Nuwan Kulasekara ran in to bowl the 49th over, Dhoni had already scored a crucial 40-odd runs. The crowd was on its feet, a deafening roar filling the stadium. Dhoni, seeing the ball pitched up, unleashed a thunderous six straight down the ground. The ball sailed over the ropes, and the Wankhede Stadium erupted! India had won the Cricket World Cup! MS Dhoni, the captain, had delivered the ultimate prize on home soil. The scenes that followed were pure pandemonium – players flooding the field, tears of joy, fans in disbelief and ecstasy. Sachin Tendulkar, the legend, was lifted onto the shoulders of his teammates, a fitting tribute to his incredible career. Dhoni, the man of the moment, remained calm amidst the celebrations, a true leader. He finished unbeaten on 91, a captain's knock that will be remembered forever. Yuvraj Singh, who was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for his all-round brilliance throughout the competition, remained unbeaten on 21. The final scorecard read: Sri Lanka 274/6 (Jayawardene 103*, Mathews 35, Harbhajan 2/56) lost to India 277/4 (Gambhir 97, Dhoni 91*, Yuvraj 21*, Malinga 2/42) by 6 wickets. It was a victory not just for the team, but for the entire nation, a moment of immense pride and celebration that united millions. The 2011 World Cup Final wasn't just a cricket match; it was a historic achievement, a testament to India's resilience, talent, and the unwavering support of its passionate fans. The image of Dhoni hitting that winning six is forever imprinted in the annals of cricket history.