2011 World Cup Final: India Vs. Sri Lanka Scorecard Highlights

by Jhon Lennon 63 views

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final was more than just a game; it was a spectacle, a thriller, and a moment etched forever in the hearts of millions of Indians. Held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, on April 2, 2011, the match saw India clash with Sri Lanka in a battle for the coveted trophy. This wasn't just a final; it was a clash of titans, a culmination of weeks of intense competition, and a moment that would define careers and legacies. For fans, understanding the scorecard isn't just about the numbers; it's about reliving every heart-stopping moment, every strategic move, and every brilliant individual performance that led to India's historic victory. Let's dive deep into the details of the 2011 World Cup final scorecard and relive the magic.

Sri Lanka's Innings: Setting the Stage

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, setting the stage for a potentially high-scoring game. The opening partnership aimed to set a strong foundation, but India's bowlers had other plans. Nuwan Kulasekara and Zaheer Khan started with precision and aggression, keeping the Sri Lankan openers on their toes. Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan struggled to find their rhythm against the disciplined bowling attack. Tharanga was the first to fall, dismissed by Zaheer Khan for a mere 2 runs. This early breakthrough put pressure on Sri Lanka, forcing them to rebuild their innings cautiously.

The arrival of Kumar Sangakkara brought some stability to the Sri Lankan innings. Sangakkara, known for his elegant stroke play and calm demeanor, began to build a partnership with Dilshan. They rotated the strike effectively and found occasional boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, their partnership was cut short when Dilshan was dismissed by Harbhajan Singh for 33. This was a crucial wicket as Dilshan looked set to accelerate the scoring rate. The dismissal brought Mahela Jayawardene to the crease, and he joined Sangakkara in trying to resurrect the innings. The pair added a valuable 62 runs, with Sangakkara contributing a solid 48 before he was caught behind off Yuvraj Singh's bowling. At this point, Sri Lanka was at 179 for 4 and needed a strong finish to post a competitive total.

Mahela Jayawardene's magnificent century was undoubtedly the highlight of Sri Lanka's innings. Jayawardene showcased his class and experience, crafting a brilliant innings under pressure. He started cautiously, assessing the conditions and the Indian bowling attack before gradually shifting gears. His timing, placement, and ability to find gaps in the field were exemplary. Jayawardene found able support from Thisara Perera, with whom he shared a crucial partnership. Their aggressive stroke play in the final overs propelled Sri Lanka towards a formidable total. Jayawardene's unbeaten 103 off 88 balls was a masterclass in pacing an innings, providing the much-needed impetus to Sri Lanka's score. The lower order contributed valuable runs, with Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga chipping in with quick cameos. Sri Lanka finished their innings at 274 for 6, setting India a challenging target.

India's Chase: A Nation Holds Its Breath

Chasing 275, India needed a solid start, but they faced an early setback when Virender Sehwag was dismissed for a duck by Lasith Malinga. This early blow sent shockwaves through the Indian camp and the packed stadium. The pressure was immense, and India needed someone to step up and take control. Sachin Tendulkar, playing in what was likely his last World Cup match, walked in to a deafening roar. Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir began to rebuild the innings, displaying a mix of caution and aggression. They added 31 runs before Tendulkar was dismissed by Malinga for 18, silencing the crowd and increasing the tension. India was now at 31 for 2, and the situation looked precarious.

Gautam Gambhir played a heroic innings, anchoring the Indian chase with a gritty and determined knock. He took on the responsibility of guiding the innings, displaying exceptional composure and skill. Gambhir formed a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli, adding 83 runs and steadying the ship. Kohli played a supportive role, rotating the strike and finding occasional boundaries. However, just when they looked set to take control, Kohli was dismissed by Dilshan for 35. India was now at 114 for 3, and the pressure was back on. Yuvraj Singh joined Gambhir at the crease, and together they began to rebuild the innings once again. They added 83 runs, with Gambhir taking the lead in scoring. Gambhir's innings was a blend of elegant stroke play and resolute defense, showcasing his mental strength and technical prowess. He reached 97 before being unfortunately dismissed, just three runs short of a well-deserved century. His dismissal left India at 223 for 4, still needing 52 runs to win.

MS Dhoni's unbeaten 91 was the defining innings of the final, showcasing his incredible temperament and match-finishing abilities. Dhoni promoted himself up the order, a strategic masterstroke that changed the course of the game. He joined Yuvraj Singh at the crease, and together they guided India towards the target. Dhoni's calmness under pressure was remarkable as he kept the scoreboard ticking with a mix of singles, doubles, and occasional boundaries. His ability to assess the situation and make calculated decisions was crucial in the final stages of the chase. The winning moment came when Dhoni hit a magnificent six over long-on off Nuwan Kulasekara, sealing India's victory and sending the nation into jubilation. Dhoni's innings was a testament to his leadership, skill, and mental fortitude, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest finishers in the game. Yuvraj Singh's contribution was equally vital, providing stability and support throughout the chase. He remained unbeaten on 21, playing a composed innings and ensuring that India stayed on course. Their unbroken partnership of 54 runs sealed India's victory, sparking celebrations across the country and around the world.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Several key moments and turning points defined the outcome of the 2011 World Cup Final. Zaheer Khan's early breakthroughs in the Sri Lankan innings put India on top, while Mahela Jayawardene's century shifted the momentum back in Sri Lanka's favor. In India's chase, the early dismissals of Sehwag and Tendulkar put immense pressure on the middle order. Gautam Gambhir's brilliant innings and his partnerships with Kohli and Yuvraj were crucial in rebuilding the innings. However, the biggest turning point was MS Dhoni's promotion up the order, which injected fresh impetus into the chase and ultimately led India to victory. Dhoni's match-winning six will forever be etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide.

Scorecard Summary

Sri Lanka: 274/6 (50 overs)

  • Mahela Jayawardene: 103* (88)
  • Kumar Sangakkara: 48 (54)
  • Tillakaratne Dilshan: 33 (49)

India: 277/4 (48.2 overs)

  • Gautam Gambhir: 97 (122)
  • MS Dhoni: 91* (79)
  • Virat Kohli: 35 (49)

Conclusion: A Day to Remember

The 2011 World Cup Final was a historic moment for Indian cricket, a day that will be celebrated for generations to come. The victory was a result of exceptional teamwork, individual brilliance, and unwavering determination. From Zaheer Khan's early breakthroughs to Mahela Jayawardene's century, from Gautam Gambhir's heroic innings to MS Dhoni's match-winning knock, every player contributed to the success. The 2011 World Cup Final will always be remembered as a testament to the passion, skill, and spirit of cricket.