New Delhi: 12 years ago, MS Dhoni hit that historic six in Wankhede and India won the World Cup after 28 years of wait by beating Sri Lanka in the finals. Every Indian cricket fan, who witnessed it, knows the moment and the feeling. Remaining unbeaten the whole tournament and giving an ode to Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar were unimaginable and historic.
With this World Cup win, India began the trend of hosts winning the cup and Australia and England continued it in 2015 and 2019. From the ‘De Ghumaa Ke’ campaign to lifting the cup, men in blue and the fans witnessed an unprecedented festival of cricket.
While every ball was an event and every moment was gold, here are the top 5 moments for India from ICC Men’s 2011 World Cup:
5. Sehwag, Kohli begin with blast
India faced Bangladesh in the first game, the team which led to India’s early exit from the 2007 World Cup. Batting first, India posted a massive total of 370 as Virender Sehwag was in his element. The opener scored 175 off 140, hitting 14 fours and 5 sixes. He stayed almost till the end and ensured India crosses 350.
Young Virat Kohli showed character by scoring a ton on his World Cup debut. He scored 100* off 83, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes. Men in blue won the game by 87 runs, courtesy of Munaf Patel’s four-wicket haul.
4. India ties with England
India’s second game was also a high-scoring one and ended in a tie as both teams scored 338 runs. Sachin Tendulkar scored 120 off 115 with Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh scoring fifties. While others went for runs, Tim Bresnan picked a five-wicket haul.
In reply, Andrew Strauss scored a massive 158 off 145. In the last over, England required 14 to win off Munaf Patel’s bowling. After a double and a single, Ajmal Shahzad managed to hit a six. England needed 2 off the last ball but were restrcited to a single. Zaheer Khan picking three quick wickets in the death was the highlight of the game.
3. Yuvraj-Raina overcome the Aussie challenge
Ricky Ponting scored a century while Brad Haddin hit a fifty to take Australia to 260. While Australia was in a bit trouble, David Hussey’s cameo of 38* off 26 gave them the momentum. Despite Sachin and Gambhir scored half-centuries, regular wickets kept Australia in the game.
When Suresh Raina arrived at the crease, India needed 74 off 12.3 overs. Yuvraj Singh anchored the chase with his fifty while Raina blasted 34* off 28 to not only win the game but also announce himself at the big stage. Yuvraj was named the Player of the Match for his 57* and 44/2.
2. Yuvraj Singh: Player of the Tournament
Yuvraj Singh has just been named Player of the Tournament for the #cwc2011
— ICC (@ICC) April 2, 2011
Yuvraj showed his all-round abilities and scored 362 runs and picked 15 wickets to be named the Player of the Tournament. Not a pearticular moment but his performace needs a mention in every such list about the 2011 World Cup. While three overs were left in the inning, ICC tweeted and made an early announcemnet about the Player of the Tournamnet as there was no dispute after what Yuraj did.
Also, it was known afterwards that Yuvraj, who was vommitting on field, was suffering from cancer.
1. ‘Dhoni finishes off in style…’
Mahela Jayawardene scored a ton in the World Cup finals and chasing 275, India got into trouble after Lasith Malinga dismissed Sachin and Sehwag early. It was Guatam Gambhir’s 97 that saved the day for India while Dhoni promoted himself to score 91* off 79.
With just four runs needed, Dhoni decided to finish things off in style as he hit a six to Nuwan Kulasekara which Indian cricket fans can never erase from their memories.
