ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: India's Home Triumph After 28 Years
India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil, ending a 28-year wait with MS Dhoni's iconic six in the final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, delivered one of cricket's most emotional victories. India, led by MS Dhoni, defeated Sri Lanka in the final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium to claim their second World Cup title — their first since Kapil Dev's team won in 1983.
The Tournament Format
Fourteen teams competed across two groups followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. India were the tournament favourites on home soil. Sachin Tendulkar, playing his sixth and final World Cup, was the tournament's emotional focal point. Pakistan, England, and Sri Lanka all posed serious threats.
The Final at Wankhede
On April 2, 2011, Sri Lanka posted 274 for 6. India's reply started poorly, with both openers out cheaply. Gautam Gambhir steadied the innings with 97, and then MS Dhoni promoted himself above the in-form Yuvraj Singh to bat at number 5. Dhoni hit an unbeaten 91, ending the match with a towering six over long-on. India won by six wickets.
Key Performers
Yuvraj Singh was the Player of the Tournament — he scored 362 runs, took 15 wickets, and contributed crucial performances in every knockout match. Zaheer Khan was India's premier wicket-taker with 21 wickets. Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan topped the run charts with 500 runs across the tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2011 Cricket World Cup?
India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. MS Dhoni finished unbeaten on 91 and hit the winning six.
Who was Player of the Tournament in the 2011 World Cup?
Yuvraj Singh of India won the Player of the Tournament award, scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets — including a hat-trick — in a defining all-round performance.