2011 Cricket World Cup Final: A Thrilling Scorecard

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Alright guys, let's dive into a match that still gives us goosebumps – the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final! This wasn't just any game; it was the culmination of months of intense cricket, showcasing the best talent from around the globe. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard is a legendary document, a testament to a historic victory for India and a heartbreaker for Sri Lanka. We're going to break down this epic encounter, looking at the key performances, the crucial moments, and how the final scores unfolded. Get ready to relive the drama, the tension, and the sheer jubilation of one of cricket's most memorable finals.

The Road to the Final: A Tournament of Upsets and Brilliance

Before we dissect the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard, it’s vital to remember the journey that led both teams to this colossal clash. The tournament itself was a rollercoaster, hosted jointly by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. We saw several surprises, with established teams stumbling and underdogs showing incredible grit. India, playing on home soil, carried immense pressure and expectations. Their campaign had its share of close calls and brilliant displays, building momentum with each victory. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, and MS Dhoni were in stellar form, shouldering the hopes of a billion fans. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were a formidable unit, seasoned campaigners who knew how to win big matches. Their path to the final was equally impressive, marked by consistent performances and the destructive prowess of players like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. The anticipation for this final was palpable; it was a clash of titans, a battle for ultimate cricketing glory, and the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard would etch the winner's name in history forever. The sheer weight of history and national pride riding on this match made it more than just a game; it was a national event, a moment where entire countries would hold their breath, glued to their screens, dissecting every ball and every run as it appeared on the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard.

The Toss and the Opening Innings: Sri Lanka Sets a Target

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard truly begins with the toss. Mahela Jayawardene, captain of Sri Lanka, won the toss and elected to bat first on a Wankhede Stadium pitch that looked promising for batsmen. This decision set the stage for the first half of the match, where Sri Lanka aimed to post a challenging total. Their innings started with a steady opening partnership, laying a solid foundation. However, the Indian bowlers, spurred on by the electrifying home crowd, managed to chip away at the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Sri Lanka displayed remarkable resilience. The anchor of their innings was none other than Mahela Jayawardene himself. He played an innings of sheer class and composure, crafting a magnificent century. His elegant strokes, impeccable timing, and ability to find the gaps were a treat to watch. Jayawardene’s century was a masterclass in ODI batting, ensuring that Sri Lanka didn't falter under the pressure of the final. Other batsmen chipped in with valuable contributions, but it was Jayawardene's brilliance that powered Sri Lanka to a competitive score. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard would show his name prominently, a beacon of defiance against the Indian attack. The final overs saw some aggressive hitting, pushing the score beyond the 250-mark, which, at the time, felt like a significant total on a big final stage. The Indian fielding, while energetic, had a few moments of sloppiness that allowed Sri Lanka to gain some extra runs, adding to the narrative of a tense first innings as reflected in the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard. The bowlers, particularly Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh, did an excellent job of containing the scoring in the middle overs, applying the brakes when Sri Lanka looked set to accelerate further. The Sri Lankan tailenders also contributed a few crucial boundaries, ensuring their team finished on a high note, setting a target that was certainly defendable, leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for India's chase. The strategic decisions made during this innings, from the batting order to the bowlers used, would all be scrutinized and remembered when examining the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard.

Key Performances in Sri Lanka's Innings:

Mahela Jayawardene's Majestic Century: A truly unforgettable knock under pressure. His 103* was the backbone of the Sri Lankan innings, showcasing his class and experience. This century is etched in the annals of World Cup history and is a highlight of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard. He paced his innings perfectly, accumulating runs with calculated aggression when needed and solidifying the innings when wickets were falling around him. It was a performance that demanded respect and put Sri Lanka in a commanding position. He was instrumental in ensuring that the team reached a respectable total despite facing a potent Indian bowling attack. His ability to find the boundary consistently, even against tight fielding, was remarkable. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard highlights this solitary brilliance against the collective efforts of the Indian bowlers.
Solid Contributions from Others: While Jayawardene stole the show, players like Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara provided crucial support. Dilshan's quickfire start gave them momentum, and Sangakkara's steady hand at number three helped stabilize the innings. These supporting acts, though not as grand as Jayawardene's century, were vital in building the foundation for the final push. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard reflects these important, albeit smaller, contributions that added valuable runs to the total.
Late Flourish: The lower order batsmen managed to add some quick runs in the death overs, pushing the total to a more imposing 274/6. This late surge, fueled by a couple of boundaries and some quick singles, proved that Sri Lanka was not going down without a fight. This final flourish is an important detail in the narrative of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard. It signaled their intent and belief that they could defend this total.

India's Chase: The Pressure Cooker Begins

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard takes a dramatic turn as India walks out to bat. The target of 275 runs, while achievable, felt daunting given the occasion and the quality of the Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan and the menacing Lasith Malinga. The Wankhede Stadium crowd was a cauldron of noise, their energy feeding the Indian openers, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. However, the pressure immediately told. Sehwag was dismissed early, a huge blow for India, sending a wave of tension through the stadium. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard showed India at 31/1, with the formidable task of chasing down the remaining runs with their master batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, at the crease. But Tendulkar, despite playing a magnificent tournament and carrying the hopes of the nation, couldn't convert his start into a big score. He was dismissed for 18, and the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard then read 52/2. This was a critical juncture; the two most celebrated batsmen were gone, and the responsibility now fell on the younger generation. The crowd, which was roaring just moments before, fell into a stunned silence. The ghosts of past finals, where India had faltered at the final hurdle, seemed to be resurfacing. The Sri Lankan bowlers were on top, their fielding sharp, and the pressure cooker was intensifying. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard at this point would have painted a grim picture for the Indian fans. However, this was a different Indian team, one that had learned to fight back. The crucial partnership that followed would change the complexion of the game and the narrative of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard forever. The early wickets were a testament to Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling and their experience in high-stakes games. They knew how to apply pressure, and they did just that, making India sweat for every run. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard at the 10-over mark would have shown a cautious approach from India, trying to absorb the initial onslaught and rebuild the innings. The dismissal of Tendulkar was particularly significant, as he was in sublime form throughout the tournament, and his departure left a void that seemed difficult to fill. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard would forever mark this moment as a turning point where the game could have swung decisively in Sri Lanka's favor. The collective sigh of relief from the Sri Lankan supporters could almost be heard across the stadium as Tendulkar walked back to the pavilion. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard was a story of two halves – Sri Lanka's solid batting performance and India's shaky start to the chase.

The Turning Point: Gambhir and Kohli's Partnership

With India reeling at 52/2, the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard looked precarious. Enter Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli. These two young batsmen were tasked with the monumental job of rebuilding the innings and steering India towards the target. They started cautiously, respecting the good balls and punishing the loose ones. Gambhir, playing with immense grit and determination, became the anchor. He wasn't playing flashy shots but was accumulating runs with smart batting, rotating the strike, and hitting the occasional boundary. Kohli, the young sensation, provided youthful exuberance and confidence, playing some delightful strokes. Their partnership was crucial, not just for the runs added, but for absorbing the pressure and settling the nerves of the Indian dressing room and the vast crowd. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard began to show a more positive trend for India, with the scoreboard ticking over steadily. This partnership was a testament to the depth of talent in the Indian squad and their ability to perform under the most intense pressure. They weathered the storm of the Sri Lankan pacers and spinners, ensuring that India didn't lose any more wickets in the crucial middle overs. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard would forever highlight this phase as the foundation upon which the victory was built. Gambhir, in particular, played a mature innings, anchoring the chase and setting the platform for others to follow. His composure was remarkable, and he played the sheet anchor role to perfection, a stark contrast to the explosive batting often associated with him. Kohli, though eventually dismissed, played a vital supporting role, his confidence infectious. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard shows their combined efforts as a critical turning point, preventing a collapse and injecting belief back into the Indian camp. Their understanding at the crease, the quick singles they converted, and their ability to keep the scoreboard moving were all vital ingredients in their successful partnership. This phase demonstrated the mental fortitude required to succeed in a World Cup final, a mental battle that India was slowly but surely winning, as evidenced by the changing complexion of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard. This partnership laid the groundwork for the legend that was about to unfold, a partnership that would be remembered long after the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard was archived.

Gambhir's Crucial Knock:

Gautam Gambhir's 97: While MS Dhoni finished the game, it was Gambhir's gritty 97 that laid the solid foundation. He played the sheet anchor role to perfection, absorbing pressure and rebuilding the innings after early setbacks. His innings was a display of immense character and determination, and it's often said that his knock was as crucial as Dhoni's match-winning one. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard rightly immortalizes this vital contribution. He built partnerships that steadied the ship, absorbing the pressure from the Sri Lankan bowlers and ensuring that India remained in the hunt. His ability to play the long game, focusing on building an innings rather than quick runs, was instrumental in setting up the platform for the finishers.
Virat Kohli's Support: Kohli's 35 was a valuable contribution. He played with confidence, supporting Gambhir and adding crucial runs before his dismissal. His partnership with Gambhir steadied the Indian chase, proving that the next generation was ready for the big stage. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard reflects the importance of this partnership in navigating the tricky middle overs.

The Masterclass Finale: Dhoni's Heroics

With Gautam Gambhir batting beautifully and Virat Kohli providing solid support, India was in a commanding position. However, the match still had plenty of drama left. When Kohli was dismissed, the stage was set for the captain, MS Dhoni, to play the innings of his life. Dhoni walked in with a clear plan, absorbing the pressure and allowing Gambhir to continue his charge. As Gambhir approached his century, he tragically fell short, dismissed for 97. This was a moment of collective sigh for Indian fans, but it brought MS Dhoni to the forefront. With India needing a relatively small total and Sri Lanka's main bowlers having bowled out their quota, Dhoni took control. He displayed his signature calm and calculated aggression, playing some magnificent shots. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard was about to be rewritten by an iconic performance. Dhoni didn't just chase the target; he accelerated, finishing the game with a flourish that is now etched in cricketing folklore. The iconic six he hit over long-on to seal the victory is a moment that every cricket fan remembers vividly. It wasn't just a winning shot; it was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy and triumph for India. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard would forever be associated with Dhoni's unbeaten 91*, a captain's knock that led his team to glory. He built a match-winning partnership with the resilient Yuvraj Singh, who played the perfect supporting role, allowing Dhoni to express himself. The partnership between Dhoni and Yuvraj was crucial in maintaining the required run rate and ensuring there were no late jitters. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard shows Dhoni's dominance in the final stages, his calculated risks paying off handsomely. The Sri Lankan bowlers, who had been so effective earlier, found no answers to Dhoni's power-hitting and astute placement. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard signifies not just a win, but a historic moment, a dream realized for a nation. The culmination of the chase, with Dhoni hitting the winning runs, was a scene of pure euphoria, with players rushing onto the field and fans erupting in celebration. This final act cemented MS Dhoni's legacy as one of India's greatest captains and finishers, a legacy forever tied to the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard.

The Finishing Touches:

MS Dhoni's Unbeaten 91:* The captain led from the front, playing a masterful unbeaten innings of 91. His composure under pressure and aggressive hitting in the death overs sealed a memorable victory. This is arguably one of the greatest World Cup final innings ever played, and the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard rightfully celebrates it. He took calculated risks, rotated the strike effectively, and hit boundaries when they mattered most, showcasing his incredible finishing abilities.
Yuvraj Singh's Calm Support: Yuvraj Singh, who had a stellar tournament, played a crucial supporting role with an unbeaten 21*. He provided stability and allowed Dhoni the freedom to play his shots, forming a match-winning partnership that guided India home. His presence at the crease ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking and that the Sri Lankan bowlers couldn't settle. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard captures this vital, yet often understated, contribution.

The Final Verdict: A Historic Victory

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard tells a story of a tense, thrilling, and ultimately historic encounter. Sri Lanka posted a respectable 274/6, powered by Mahela Jayawardene's magnificent century. India, in response, overcame early jitters and the loss of key wickets to chase down the target with 10 balls to spare. Gautam Gambhir's gritty 97 and MS Dhoni's iconic unbeaten 91* were the cornerstones of India's chase. This victory wasn't just about the runs and wickets; it was about the culmination of a dream for India, a nation that breathes cricket. It was a triumph of resilience, teamwork, and individual brilliance. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard is a document that every Indian cricket fan cherishes, a reminder of the day they were crowned world champions on home soil. The emotions of that day – the tension, the hope, the sheer joy – are forever captured in the figures of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard. It signifies the end of a 28-year wait for India to lift the World Cup, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. The celebrations that followed were immense, reflecting the significance of this achievement for the country. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard will forever be remembered not just for the numbers, but for the stories they represent – the pressure, the comebacks, the legends made, and a nation united in celebration. This victory cemented the legacy of MS Dhoni as a legendary captain and player, and it marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history. The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard stands as a proud monument to that glorious night in Mumbai, a night where dreams turned into reality. The individual battles within the match, the strategic decisions, and the sheer nerve shown by the Indian team are all encapsulated within this historical document, making the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard a legendary artifact for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The final analysis of the 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard shows a game where both teams fought hard, but India, with the roar of the home crowd behind them, ultimately emerged victorious, etching their names in cricket history.

Final Score Summary:

Sri Lanka: 274/6 (50 overs) - Mahela Jayawardene 103*, Kumar Sangakkara 48
India: 277/4 (48.2 overs) - MS Dhoni 91*, Gautam Gambhir 97

India won by 6 wickets.

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final scorecard is a powerful reminder of the drama, skill, and emotion that cricket delivers. It was a match for the ages, and one that continues to inspire generations of cricketers and fans.