ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: India Beat Sri Lanka at Wankhede — Dhoni 91*, India's Second World Cup
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2011 was the tenth edition, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. India won their second ODI World Cup title — 28 years after their first in 1983 — defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 2 April 2011. Sri Lanka scored 274 for 6 (Mahela Jayawardene 103 not out). India won in 48.2 overs with 6 wickets in hand. MS Dhoni came in at number 5 (with the score 31 for 2) and scored 91 not out, hitting the winning six. Gautam Gambhir scored 97. Player of the Tournament: Yuvraj Singh (362 runs, 15 wickets — the most versatile individual tournament). Sachin Tendulkar called it the most important innings of his career (though he scored only 18 in the final).
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2011 was the tenth edition, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh from 19 February to 2 April 2011. India hosted the final, semi-finals, and multiple group matches at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai; Eden Gardens, Kolkata; and other venues. Sri Lanka, led by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, were a powerful side. India, led by MS Dhoni, were the home favourites and had already won the 2007 inaugural T20 World Cup. The 1983 World Cup win — India's first — was a distant 28-year memory for most fans.
The Wankhede Final — Dhoni's Six
In the final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 2 April 2011, Sri Lanka scored 274 for 6. Mahela Jayawardene scored 103 not out — an outstanding innings in a losing cause. India's chase was in trouble at 31 for 2 (Sachin Tendulkar 18, Virender Sehwag 0). MS Dhoni promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh to number 5, partnered with Gautam Gambhir (97). Dhoni scored 91 not out off 79 balls. With the scores tied, he hit Nuwan Kulasekara over long-on for six — winning the World Cup with a six at Wankhede. India won by 6 wickets in 48.2 overs.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and what was the decisive moment?
India won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 2 April 2011. MS Dhoni scored 91 not out after coming in at number 5 with the score at 31 for 2. He hit the winning six — over long-on off Nuwan Kulasekara — to win India's second ODI World Cup, 28 years after their first in 1983. Yuvraj Singh was Player of the Tournament (362 runs, 15 wickets).