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Cricket between Sri Lanka national cricket team and India national cricket team has always produced high-voltage encounters, and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium remains one of the most iconic matches in the sport’s history. India chased 275 against Sri Lanka’s disciplined batting effort, delivering a memorable performance under pressure. This article presents a complete scorecard analysis, key moments, and tactical breakdown of that historic final. It revisits batting brilliance, bowling spells, partnerships, and turning points that shaped the result, offering a detailed match report that highlights why this clash remains unforgettable in world cricket legacy.
Match Overview
The final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup between the India national cricket team and the Sri Lanka national cricket team was played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. It was a historic night for Indian cricket, as the team lifted the World Cup after 28 years.
Sri Lanka batted first after winning the toss and posted a competitive total built around a masterful century from Mahela Jayawardene. India, chasing under immense pressure in a global final, produced a composed and calculated response anchored by Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Event | ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2011 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Toss Winner | Sri Lanka |
| Decision | Bat first |
| Sri Lanka Score | 274/6 (50 overs) |
| India Score | 277/4 (48.2 overs) |
| Result | India won by 6 wickets |
| Player of the Match | MS Dhoni |
Explanation
This match summary highlights India’s successful chase under pressure. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first looked strategic on a good pitch, but India’s controlled chase shifted the momentum. The key takeaway is India’s composure in a World Cup final situation, where pressure often dictates errors. The result also marked a historic transition in Indian cricket, as senior players like Sachin Tendulkar finally lifted the World Cup.
Toss and Team Decisions
Sri Lanka opted to bat first, expecting the pitch to remain consistent throughout the match. India, led by MS Dhoni, focused on chasing under lights with dew expected later in the evening.
Sri Lanka Innings – 274/6 (50 Overs)
Sri Lanka built their innings carefully after early stability from the openers. The backbone of the innings was Mahela Jayawardene’s unbeaten century.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
| T. Dilshan | 48 | 52 | 6 | 0 | c Dhoni b Nehra |
| U. Tharanga | 2 | 20 | 0 | 0 | b Zaheer |
| K. Sangakkara | 48 | 67 | 5 | 0 | c Dhoni b Yuvraj |
| M. Jayawardene | 103* | 88 | 13 | 0 | not out |
| T. Samaraweera | 21 | 34 | 2 | 0 | lbw Yuvraj |
| A. Mathews | 49 | 37 | 5 | 1 | c Sehwag b Zaheer |
| C. Kapugedera | 10* | 10 | 1 | 0 | not out |
Explanation
Sri Lanka’s innings revolved around partnerships rather than explosive hitting. Jayawardene’s unbeaten century was the defining performance, stabilizing the innings after early wickets. However, India’s disciplined bowling in the middle overs restricted acceleration. Zaheer Khan’s early breakthroughs prevented Sri Lanka from reaching a 300+ total, which proved crucial in hindsight.
India Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Zaheer Khan | 10 | 60 | 2 | 6.00 |
| S. Sreesanth | 8 | 52 | 0 | 6.50 |
| A. Nehra | 9 | 30 | 2 | 3.33 |
| Y. Singh | 10 | 49 | 2 | 4.90 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 10 | 50 | 0 | 5.00 |
Explanation
India’s bowling effort was balanced and disciplined. Nehra’s early breakthroughs were critical in restricting Sri Lanka’s top order. Yuvraj Singh’s dual role as an all-rounder added unexpected breakthroughs in the middle overs, shifting momentum toward India.
India Innings – 277/4 (48.2 Overs)
India’s chase began with early setbacks but was stabilized by Gambhir and Dhoni’s iconic finishing knock.
India Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
| V. Sehwag | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | b Malinga |
| S. Tendulkar | 18 | 14 | 2 | 0 | c Dilshan b Kulasekara |
| G. Gambhir | 97 | 122 | 9 | 0 | b Herath |
| V. Kohli | 35 | 49 | 4 | 0 | c Sangakkara b Malinga |
| MS Dhoni | 91* | 79 | 8 | 2 | not out |
| Y. Singh | 21* | 24 | 2 | 0 | not out |
Explanation
India’s chase was defined by recovery and temperament. Early wickets of Sehwag and Tendulkar created pressure, but Gambhir anchored the innings with a composed 97. Dhoni’s promotion above Yuvraj Singh became a tactical masterstroke, allowing him to control the chase and finish with authority.
Sri Lanka Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Lasith Malinga | 10 | 42 | 2 | 4.20 |
| N. Kulasekara | 9 | 64 | 1 | 7.11 |
| T. Perera | 9 | 55 | 0 | 6.11 |
| M. Muralitharan | 10 | 44 | 0 | 4.40 |
| S. Randiv | 10 | 43 | 0 | 4.30 |
Explanation
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistent pressure in the middle overs. While Malinga provided breakthroughs, the lack of sustained wicket-taking allowed India to rebuild. Murali’s spell was economical but lacked penetration in a high-pressure final.
Important Partnerships
| Partnership | Runs | Wickets | Batsmen |
| 1st Wicket (SL) | 67 | 1 | Dilshan–Tharanga |
| 3rd Wicket (SL) | 109 | 1 | Sangakkara–Jayawardene |
| 4th Wicket (IND) | 109 | 1 | Gambhir–Dhoni |
| 5th Wicket (IND) | 54* | 0 | Dhoni–Yuvraj |
Explanation
The Gambhir-Dhoni partnership was the turning point of the match. It neutralized Sri Lanka’s advantage and ensured India stayed ahead in required run rate. Similarly, Jayawardene-Sangakkara partnership had earlier stabilized Sri Lanka but lacked finishing acceleration.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Sri Lanka | India |
| Total Runs | 274 | 277 |
| Wickets Lost | 6 | 4 |
| Boundaries | 29 | 27 |
| Sixes | 1 | 2 |
| Run Rate | 5.48 | 5.73 |
Explanation
The statistics show how evenly matched the game was. However, India’s superior strike rotation and fewer dot balls in the final 10 overs made the difference.
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Performance |
| MS Dhoni | India | 91* match-winning innings |
| G. Gambhir | India | 97-run anchor innings |
| M. Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 103* unbeaten century |
| A. Nehra | India | 2 key wickets |
Explanation
Dhoni’s leadership knock stands out as the defining performance of the match. Gambhir’s stability ensured India never lost control of the chase, while Jayawardene’s century kept Sri Lanka competitive.
How The Match Was Won
India’s victory was built on strategic planning and mental composure. After losing two early wickets, India shifted to consolidation mode rather than aggressive chasing. Gambhir absorbed pressure while Dhoni calculated the required rate.
The decision to promote Dhoni above Yuvraj Singh proved decisive. It allowed India to finish the chase with a powerful hitter in control during the final overs. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, lacked wicket-taking breakthroughs in the middle overs, which allowed India to rebuild steadily.
The final boundary from Dhoni symbolized India’s controlled aggression and tactical superiority under pressure.
Final Result and Significance
India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets to win the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. This victory ended a 28-year wait for the trophy and marked one of the most emotional moments in cricket history. The match is remembered not just for the result but for the leadership, strategy, and execution under extreme pressure.
FAQs
What was the result of Sri Lanka vs India 2011 World Cup final?
India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. The match was played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. India successfully chased 275 runs with MS Dhoni scoring an unbeaten 91, finishing the game with a six. This victory marked India’s second World Cup title after 1983 and remains one of the most celebrated achievements in cricket history.
Who was the top scorer in the 2011 World Cup final?
Mahela Jayawardene was the top scorer in the match with an unbeaten 103 runs for Sri Lanka. His innings anchored Sri Lanka’s total of 274/6. Despite his brilliant century, lack of support in terms of quick acceleration from other batters meant Sri Lanka could not push the score beyond 300, which eventually impacted their chances of defending the total.
Why did India win the 2011 World Cup final?
India won due to balanced batting, strategic decision-making, and key partnerships. The 109-run stand between Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni was crucial. India also executed disciplined bowling, especially in the early overs. Tactical decisions, such as promoting Dhoni up the order, allowed India to control the chase and reduce pressure in the final overs.
What was MS Dhoni’s role in the final?
MS Dhoni played one of the most iconic innings in World Cup history, scoring 91 not out. He also promoted himself ahead of Yuvraj Singh, a bold tactical decision that paid off. Dhoni controlled the chase, absorbed pressure, and finished the match with a six, sealing India’s World Cup victory in memorable fashion.
How did Sri Lanka perform in the final?
Sri Lanka performed strongly with the bat, especially through Mahela Jayawardene’s unbeaten century. However, their bowling attack failed to consistently break India’s partnerships. Despite early wickets, they could not maintain pressure in the middle overs, allowing India to rebuild and eventually chase down the target comfortably.
What was the turning point of the match?
The biggest turning point was the partnership between Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni. After early setbacks, their 109-run stand stabilized the innings and shifted momentum toward India. Dhoni’s decision to take control of the chase ensured India maintained a steady required run rate and avoided panic under pressure.
