ICC Cricket World Cup 2011: India's Second Title — Dhoni's Six in the Wankhede Final
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was the tenth edition of the Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in February-April 2011. India won the tournament for the second time — 28 years after their first title in 1983 — defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 2 April 2011. MS Dhoni scored 91 not out off 79 balls and finished the match with a straight six over long-off to clinch the title. Gautam Gambhir scored 97. India needed 275 to win and reached 277 for 4 in 48.2 overs. Sachin Tendulkar played his final World Cup.
The 2011 Cricket World Cup was co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in February-April 2011. Fourteen teams competed. India, captained by MS Dhoni, were the tournament hosts and heavy favourites on home soil. The tournament progressed with India beating Australia and Pakistan in successive knockout rounds — the India-Pakistan semifinal at Mohali was watched by an estimated 988 million viewers worldwide. Sri Lanka, captained by Kumar Sangakkara, reached the final with a strong batting lineup including Tillakaratne Dilshan, Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene.
The Final: Gambhir 97, Dhoni's Six at the Wankhede
In the final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on 2 April 2011, Sri Lanka batted first and posted 274 for 6 in 50 overs — Mahela Jayawardene scored 103 not out, the highest score by a batsman in a losing side in a World Cup final. India lost Virender Sehwag for 0 and Sachin Tendulkar for 18, reducing them to 31 for 2. Virat Kohli added 35. Gautam Gambhir then played the innings of the match: 97 off 122 balls. MS Dhoni promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh to number five and scored 91 not out off 79 balls. India needed 4 off the last 3 balls: Dhoni hit Nuwan Kulasekara for a straight six over long-off to win. India reached 277 for 4 in 48.2 overs. The nation erupted.
Sachin's World Cup and India's 28-Year Wait
The 2011 World Cup ended India's 28-year wait since their first title in 1983. For Sachin Tendulkar — playing in his sixth and final World Cup — it was the one major title that had eluded him in a 22-year international career. The Wankhede crowd carried him on their shoulders on the field after the win. MS Dhoni's decision to promote himself ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh (who would be named Player of the Tournament) was controversial before the match and vindicated by the result. India's win was described as the greatest collective sporting moment in India's post-independence history.
Frequently asked questions
How did India win the 2011 World Cup final?
In the 2011 World Cup final at the Wankhede, Mumbai on 2 April 2011, Sri Lanka posted 274 for 6 (Mahela Jayawardene 103*). India were 31 for 2 before Gautam Gambhir (97) and MS Dhoni (91 not out) rebuilt the chase. MS Dhoni promoted himself to number five ahead of Yuvraj Singh. India needed 4 off 3 balls: Dhoni hit Nuwan Kulasekara for a straight six over long-off to win. India reached 277 for 4 in 48.2 overs — winning by 6 wickets. It was India's second World Cup title, 28 years after their first in 1983.
Why was the 2011 World Cup especially significant for India?
The 2011 World Cup ended India's 28-year wait for a second World Cup title (their first was in 1983 under Kapil Dev). It was played on home soil — India co-hosted the tournament — with the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. For Sachin Tendulkar, it was his sixth and final World Cup, and winning it was described as completing the one missing trophy in his 22-year career. India's victory was watched by hundreds of millions; Sachin was carried on the shoulders of his teammates. MS Dhoni was named Man of the Match.