Picture Credit: BCCI
On the occasion of 10-year anniversary of India's historic win in the World Cup final against Sri Lanka, the fans all over the country are reminiscing the best day of their lives. There is no doubt that April 2, 2011 is registered clearly in the minds of Indian fans for lifetime. As Sri Lanka posted a total of 274 in the first innings, MS Dhoni's side hunted down the target in 48.2 overs with 6 wickets to spare. After a gap of 28 years, India finally won their second ODI World Cup title as the entire nation celebrated.
Zaheer's magic and Mahela's masterclass stole the show
After a really controversial toss which happened twice, India's experienced bowler Zaheer Khan bowled one of the most impressive opening spells of all time. After giving India an early breakthrough, the left-arm pacer's figures in the first spell read 5-3-6-1. He had certainly given the Men in Blue the early momentum they needed in the final showdown.
However, Mahela Jayawardene was determined to take his side over the line in the finals. Losing wickets at the other end did not stop the Sri Lankan batsman from playing one of the best knocks of his life. With 13 boundaries to his name, the right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten century (103* off 88 deliveries) to take his side to a competitive total of 274 at the end of 50 overs.
Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni guide India to a historic triumph
Chasing the target, the Men in Blue did not start the innings on a positive note as Sehwag was dismissed in the first over. Malinga was bowling a lethal spell as he also sent Sachin Tendulkar back to the pavilion, leaving the Indian fans shell-shocked. When Virat Kohli got out, India were in a state of bother at 114/3 in 21.4 overs.
This is when Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni notched up one of the most crucial partnerships in the history of Indian cricket. The experienced duo added 109 runs off 118 deliveries to put the Men in Blue in a commanding position. While Gambhir (97 off 122) was dismissed after a match-winning knock, MSD (91* off 79) stayed till the end and finished off the proceedings in style with a mammoth six.