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| An Iconic Image of MS Dhoni |
Today 2nd April,2021 marks a very special date for Indian fans. On this day in 2011 India achieved a glorious triumph as they defeated Sri Lanka in the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final and lifted the prestigious trophy for the second time in their history, the first time in 28 years. This victory made India the first host country to win the whole thing, which was soon followed by Australia in 2015 and England in 2019.
The final was played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sri Lanka reached the final by beating New Zealand in the Semi Finals held in Colombo in Sri Lanka whereas India defeated arch rivals Pakistan at Mohali in Punjab to reach Mumbai.
Such was the excitement at the 43,000 Stadium at Wankhede that it lead to the coin toss to be taken twice. Sri Lanka's Captain Kumar Sangakkara called to toss but due to the large roars in the crowd, match referee Jeff Crowe was not able to hear the call. The toss was retaken and Sangakkara won the toss and selected to bat.
Despite a slow start from Sri Lanka, they rallied back at the end. A stunning unbeaten ton from Mahela Jayawardene of 103 from 88 balls hepled them to a fighting total of 274/6 in 50 overs, with 91 runs in the last 10 overs.
The momentum swing continued in Sri Lanka's favor as India got off to a worst start losing opener Virendra Sehwag on the second ball of the innings. Soon India lost one of their main men Sachin Tendulkar as India were reduced to 31/2 in 6.1 overs.
After a fighting recovery from Gautam Gambhir and a young Virat Kohli, India stabilized the innings. After Kohli's departure, then Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided to walk out instead of Yuvraj Singh. Little did we knew what was to follow.
A fighting innings from Gautam Gambhir came to an heartbreaking end when he was bowled out at 97, three runs short of a deserving ton. By the time of his departure India were 223/4 in 41.2 overs.
Soon India were crusing towards victory and after 48.1 overs India's score was 271/4 with 4 more runs needed in 11 balls to lift the cup. What followed next? You already know that.
"Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd. India lift the World Cup after 28 years. The Party's started in the dressing room and it's an Indian Captain who has been absolutely magnificent in the night of the final." These were the words used by then commentator Ravi Shastri as Dhoni slammed a six to send goosebumps all around the country.
Scenes of Joy, Wild Celebrations and Tears rolled out after the match. National Hero Sachin Tendulkar was carried on the shoulders of Indian players around the ground. Virat Kohli said it was done because "he has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It is the time we carried him on our shoulders.
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