2011 Cricket World Cup: India's Home Triumph
Relive India's historic 2011 World Cup victory on home soil, from the group stage to Dhoni's winning six in the Mumbai final.
The Host Nation's Dream
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, was special from the outset. India had not won the World Cup since 1983, and a generation of fans had grown up watching Sachin Tendulkar — widely considered the greatest batsman of his era — pursuing the one title that had eluded him. The stage was set for one of sport's most emotional narratives.
Group Stage and Quarter-Finals
India navigated the group stage comfortably, including a high-profile tie against England at Bangalore. The quarter-final against Australia in Ahmedabad — where India chased down 261 — was a crucial psychological victory. Yuvraj Singh's tournament form was extraordinary: he scored 362 runs and took 15 wickets, winning the Player of the Tournament award while simultaneously battling a health condition later revealed to be lung cancer.
The Semi-Final vs Pakistan
India faced Pakistan in the semi-final at Mohali — the most-watched cricket match in history at the time. Indian Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Pakistan's PM Yousuf Raza Gilani watched together, a piece of cricket diplomacy. Sachin Tendulkar scored 85 to anchor India's 260/9, and Pakistan fell 29 runs short despite a brave lower-order fight.
The Wankhede Final
The final on 2 April 2011 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, against Sri Lanka will forever be defined by one moment. Sri Lanka posted 274/6, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring 103*. India lost Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early. MS Dhoni then promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh and proceeded to play one of the most decisive innings in World Cup history — 91* off 79 balls.
Dhoni's Winning Six
MS Dhoni hit Nuwan Kulasekara over long-on for six to win the match with 10 balls to spare. The image of Dhoni raising his bat as the ball sailed into the Mumbai night became one of sport's most iconic photographs. India won by 6 wickets.
Sachin's World Cup and the Carry-on
Sachin Tendulkar, who had played in six World Cups, wept openly on the field at the end. His teammates carried him on their shoulders around the Wankhede boundary — an image that encapsulated the weight of 28 years of waiting for Indian cricket. Tendulkar called it 'the best moment of my cricketing career.'
Legacy
The 2011 World Cup cemented India's status as the dominant force in world cricket, both on the field and commercially. BCCI's financial power, already significant, grew further. Tendulkar retired from ODIs in 2012 and Tests in 2013, ending his career with the one missing jewel finally in his collection. Yuvraj Singh's all-round performance remains the best by any player in a World Cup tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2011 Cricket World Cup?
India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 2 April 2011.
Who was Player of the Tournament in 2011?
Yuvraj Singh won Player of the Tournament, scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets across the competition.
Where was the 2011 World Cup final held?
The 2011 World Cup final was held at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India.