2011 World Cup Final: India Vs. Sri Lanka Scorecard

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final was a momentous occasion for cricket fans around the globe, especially for India, as they clinched their second World Cup title after a wait of 28 years. Played between India and Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 2, 2011, the match was filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable performances. Let's dive into the details of the scorecard and relive those thrilling moments.

India vs. Sri Lanka: A Detailed Look at the Scorecard

Understanding the scorecard helps us appreciate the contributions of each player and the pivotal moments that shaped the game. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Sri Lanka Innings

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for what would be a gripping contest. Their innings saw a mix of steady accumulation and explosive hitting.

  • Openers:

    • Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan opened the innings. Tharanga struggled to get going and was dismissed early by Zaheer Khan for just 2 runs. This early breakthrough was crucial for India, putting pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup right from the start.
    • Dilshan, known for his innovative shots and aggressive approach, managed to score 33 runs before being bowled by Harbhajan Singh. His innings included some well-timed boundaries, but he couldn't convert his start into a substantial score.

  • Middle Order:

    • Kumar Sangakkara, the captain, played a composed innings, scoring 48 runs. He provided stability to the innings and formed a crucial partnership with Mahela Jayawardene. Sangakkara's experience was vital in navigating the pressure situation.
    • Mahela Jayawardene was the star of the Sri Lankan innings, scoring a magnificent, unbeaten 103 off 88 balls. His innings was a masterclass in pacing and shot selection. He accelerated brilliantly towards the end, smashing boundaries and sixes to propel Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Jayawardene's century is remembered as one of the finest in World Cup final history.
    • Angelo Mathews, a key all-rounder, was unfortunately out for a duck, adding to the early pressure on the Sri Lankan batting order.

  • Lower Order:

    • The lower order contributed valuable runs, with Nuwan Kulasekara scoring 32 and Thisara Perera adding 22*. Their contributions helped Sri Lanka reach a total of 274/6 in their 50 overs. These runs proved to be crucial in the context of the match, giving their bowlers a decent target to defend.

Key Highlights of Sri Lanka's Innings:

  • Mahela Jayawardene’s Century: His century was the backbone of the Sri Lankan innings, showcasing his class and composure under pressure.
  • Late Order Surge: The late-order hitting ensured Sri Lanka set a competitive total, adding crucial runs in the final overs.

India Innings

Chasing 275, India's innings was a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The pressure was immense, but the Indian batsmen stepped up to the challenge.

  • Openers:

    • Virender Sehwag, recovering from an injury, was dismissed early by Lasith Malinga for a duck. This was a huge blow for India, as Sehwag's aggressive batting was crucial to their chances.
    • Sachin Tendulkar, playing in what was likely his last World Cup match, scored 18 runs before being caught by Sangakkara off Malinga's bowling. The crowd was stunned as the Master Blaster departed, leaving India in a precarious situation.

  • Middle Order:

    • Gautam Gambhir played a brilliant innings, scoring 97 runs. His knock was filled with determination and grit, anchoring the Indian innings after the early wickets. Gambhir's partnership with Virat Kohli was vital in steadying the ship.
    • Virat Kohli contributed a valuable 35 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Gambhir. His innings showed maturity and composure, easing the pressure on the Indian middle order.
    • Yuvraj Singh, the player of the tournament, scored a crucial 21* runs and remained unbeaten till the end. His calm presence and sensible batting were vital in the final stages of the chase.

  • Captain’s Innings:

    • MS Dhoni, the captain, played an unforgettable innings, scoring 91* off 79 balls. His innings was a blend of aggression and composure, leading India to victory. Dhoni's iconic six to win the World Cup is etched in the memories of every Indian cricket fan. His strategic brilliance and ability to handle pressure were on full display.

Key Highlights of India's Innings:

  • Gautam Gambhir's 97: His resilient innings was the foundation of India's chase, showcasing his mental toughness and skill.
  • MS Dhoni's Captain's Knock: Dhoni's unbeaten 91 was a masterclass in finishing, leading India to victory with his calculated aggression.
  • Crucial Partnerships: The partnerships between Gambhir-Kohli and Dhoni-Yuvraj were instrumental in India's successful chase, providing stability and momentum.

Turning Points of the Match

Several moments significantly influenced the outcome of the match:

  • Early Wickets of Sehwag and Tendulkar: These breakthroughs put immense pressure on the Indian batting lineup, testing their resilience.
  • Mahela Jayawardene's Century: His brilliant innings propelled Sri Lanka to a competitive total, giving their bowlers a good chance.
  • Gambhir-Kohli Partnership: This partnership stabilized the Indian innings after the early setbacks, setting the stage for the chase.
  • MS Dhoni's Promotion Up the Order: Dhoni's decision to bat at number five proved to be a masterstroke, as he guided India to victory with his exceptional innings.

The Final Moments

The tension in the stadium was palpable as India approached the final overs. With Yuvraj Singh at the other end, MS Dhoni kept his cool and smashed a six over long-on to seal the victory. The entire nation erupted in celebration as India lifted the World Cup after 28 long years. Dhoni's winning six remains an iconic moment in cricket history.

Conclusion

The 2011 World Cup Final was a classic encounter filled with memorable performances and dramatic moments. The scorecard reflects the contributions of each player, highlighting the key partnerships and individual brilliance that shaped the game. For Indian cricket fans, this match will forever be etched in their hearts as a symbol of triumph and glory. The victory was a testament to the team's hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit.

So, there you have it, guys! A detailed look at the 2011 World Cup final scorecard. It's a game that will forever be remembered, and hopefully, this breakdown helps you relive those amazing moments. What a day for cricket!