The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Final is remembered as one of the most emotional and iconic matches in cricket history. Played on 2 April 2011 at the legendary Wankhede Stadium, the final saw India national cricket team face Sri Lanka national cricket team in a clash filled with pressure, brilliance, and unforgettable moments.
For India, it was more than a match. It was a dream nearly three decades in the making — a chance to lift the World Cup again after the famous 1983 victory.
Let’s dive into the complete 2011 World Cup final scorecard, match story, key performances, and why this game still lives in every cricket fan’s heart.
Match Overview – 2011 World Cup Final
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2011 |
| Date | 2 April 2011 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Teams | India vs Sri Lanka |
| Toss | Sri Lanka won and batted first |
| Result | India won by 6 wickets |
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Innings – 274/6 (50 Overs)
Sri Lanka started confidently after winning the toss. Despite losing early wickets, their captain played one of the finest World Cup final centuries.
Mahela Jayawardene’s Elegant Century
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard (Main Performers)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahela Jayawardene | 103* | 88 | 13 | 1 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 48 | 67 | 5 | 0 |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | 33 | 49 | 3 | 0 |
| Thisara Perera | 22 | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| Angelo Mathews | 10 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Upul Tharanga | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Total: 274/6 in 50 overs
India Bowling Figures (Highlights)
- Zaheer Khan – 2 wickets
- Yuvraj Singh – 2 wickets
- Harbhajan Singh – 1 wicket
- Munaf Patel – tight economy
Sri Lanka accelerated beautifully in the final overs, adding quick runs that pushed their score from good to challenging.
At the halfway mark, 275 felt like a competitive – even dangerous – total in a World Cup final.
🇮🇳 India Innings – 277/4 (48.2 Overs)
India’s chase began with nervous energy across the stadium.
Early Shocks
- Virender Sehwag – out for 0
- Sachin Tendulkar – out for 18
Suddenly, India were under pressure with two legends back in the pavilion. But that’s when calm replaced chaos.
The Turning Point – Gambhir & Kohli Steady the Ship
Virat Kohli played a composed knock of 35 runs, partnering with Gautam Gambhir to rebuild the innings.
They rotated strike, punished bad balls, and slowly brought India back into control.
Once Kohli was out, a bold captaincy decision changed history.
The Legendary Partnership – Gambhir & Dhoni
Gautam Gambhir – Backbone of the Chase
Gautam Gambhir played an innings that doesn’t always get the praise it deserves.
97 runs off 122 balls
He absorbed pressure, fought cramps, and ensured India never lost momentum.
Without Gambhir’s grit, the trophy would never have come home.
MS Dhoni – Captain. Leader. Legend.
Instead of sending Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni promoted himself — a decision that defined his legacy.
91 off 79 balls*
- Calm under pressure
- Perfect strike rotation
- Big shots at the right time
And then – the moment replayed forever:
Dhoni’s six over long-on to finish the match in style.
India Batting Scorecard (Key Contributions)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virender Sehwag | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 18 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| Gautam Gambhir | 97 | 122 | 9 | 0 |
| Virat Kohli | 35 | 49 | 4 | 0 |
| MS Dhoni | 91* | 79 | 8 | 2 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 21* | 24 | 2 | 0 |
Total: 277/4 in 48.2 overs
Final Result – India Lift the World Cup
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 274/6 |
| India | 277/4 |
India won by 6 wickets
Won the world Cup at home
First title since 1983
The final result of the 2011 World Cup Final marked a historic and emotional triumph as India successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 274 runs by scoring 277 for the loss of just four wickets. With this six-wicket victory, India lifted the World Cup trophy on home soil — a rare and unforgettable achievement that sent celebrations across the nation. It was also India’s first World Cup title since 1983, ending a long 28-year wait and fulfilling the dreams of millions of cricket fans. The night became even more special as MS Dhoni was named Man of the Match for his calm leadership and magnificent unbeaten 91, an innings that perfectly guided India to glory and sealed his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest captains.
Man of the Match
Why the 2011 World Cup Final Is Unforgettable
The 2011 World Cup Final is unforgettable because it was not just a cricket match, but an emotional journey filled with pressure, hope, and historic achievement that brought an entire nation together. From a challenging target set by Sri Lanka to India’s nervous start and then a calm, courageous comeback, every phase of the match felt dramatic and meaningful. The victory carried deep emotional value as it fulfilled a long-awaited dream for players and fans alike, especially marking a perfect moment in Indian cricket history. The fearless leadership, unforgettable partnerships, and the iconic winning shot combined to create a night that will forever remain one of the greatest moments the sport has ever witnessed.
Legacy of the 2011 World Cup Final Scorecard
Even years later, cricket fans still relive the magic of that unforgettable night — from Mahela Jayawardene’s graceful century that gave Sri Lanka a fighting total, to Gautam Gambhir’s brave and determined 97 that held India’s chase together under immense pressure. And of course, no moment is remembered more vividly than MS Dhoni’s legendary six that sealed the World Cup in style. The perfect chase, the calm partnerships, and the fearless mindset turned this final into more than just a match — it became a story of dreams fulfilled, teamwork at its finest, and a historic triumph that will live forever in cricket folklore.
Read More: World Best Cricket Captain – Greatest Leaders in Cricket History / Top 10 Fastest Bowler In Cricket History / Why the Captain in Cricket Is the Heartbeat of the Team
Final Words
The 2011 World Cup Final scorecard from the unforgettable ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Final tells a powerful and emotional story that cricket fans will cherish forever. It began with a strong and confident Sri Lankan total that put India under real pressure in a high-stakes final, followed by a shaky Indian start that momentarily silenced the home crowd. What came next was a heroic middle-order fight filled with patience, courage, and belief, where partnerships slowly turned the match back in India’s favor. The story reached its perfect ending with a captain finishing in fearless style, sealing victory with authority and calm. For Indian cricket lovers, this night remains the greatest moment the sport has ever witnessed, and for world cricket, it stands proudly as one of the finest and most memorable World Cup finals of all time.
