IND vs SL World Cup Final 2011: Scorecard, Live Scores, Results

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 2, 2011, is still remembered as a glorious moment in history. It was a night when millions of dreams came true, and emotions ran high as India won the World Cup after 28 years. From Mahela Jayawardene’s brilliant century to MS Dhoni’s magnificent six, every moment will be remembered forever by cricket fans around the world.

In this blog, you’ll find a full match recap, the full scorecard and key turning points – everything you need to relive that historic final.

Overview of the Match

Sri Lanka Innings – 274/6 (50 Overs)

Sri Lanka posted a strong total of 274/6, thanks to Mahela Jayawardene unbeaten 103 off 88 balls. This was due to calm batting and a quick run-scoring effort by Thisara Perera at the end of the innings.

Top Batters

Extras: 12 – Total: 274/6 (Run Rate 5.48)

Bowling

Fall of Wickets

17-1, 60-2, 122-3, 179-4, 182-5, 248-6

Despite a slow start, Sri Lanka pulled off a resounding victory in the last 10 overs. Simply put, they added 63 runs to set India a big target under pressure in the final.

India Innings – 277/4 (48.2 Overs)

Chasing 275 in a World Cup final is never easy. Furthermore, India got off to a disastrous start, losing Sehwag for 0 and Sachin for 18, leaving the Wankhede crowd in silence. Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli steadied the innings, and then MS Dhoni came in at No. 5 and rewrote history with one of the greatest innings ever played in a final.

Top Batters

Extras: 15 – Total: 277/4 (RR 5.73)

Bowling

Fall of Wickets

0-1, 31-2, 114-3, 223-4

A 109-run partnership between Dhoni and Gambhir led India to victory. After Gautam Gambhir fell three runs short of a century, Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh achieved the target in spectacular fashion.

Iconic Moment – “Dhoni Finishes Off in Style!”

With India needing four runs to win, MS Dhoni smashed a massive six over long-on off Nuwan Kulasekara.

This moment became the most-watched clip in cricket history.

Why the Final Was Historic?

• First World Cup won at home by any team
• Sachin Tendulkar’s last World Cup – lifted on shoulders by teammates
• Dhoni promoted himself ahead of the in-form Yuvraj, a masterclass of leadership
• India’s first World Cup since 1983
• End of the legends era: Murali, Malinga prime years, Sachin’s last campaign.

It was more than a game; it became an emotion that got etched in the hearts of Indian cricket lovers forever.

Match Officials

Squads

India

• Sachin Tendulkar
• Virender Sehwag
• Gautam Gambhir
• Virat Kohli
• Yuvraj Singh
• MS Dhoni (C & WK)
• Suresh Raina
• Harbhajan Singh
• Zaheer Khan
• Munaf Patel
• S Sreesanth

Bench: Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ashish Nehra, Yusuf Pathan

Sri Lanka

• Tillakaratne Dilshan
• Upul Tharanga
• Kumar Sangakkara (C & WK)
• Mahela Jayawardene
• Thilan Samaraweera
• Chamara Kapugedera
• Thisara Perera
• Nuwan Kulasekara
• Suraj Randiv
• Lasith Malinga
• Muttiah Muralitharan

Bench: Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Rangana Herath, Chamara Silva

Conclusion  

The 2011 IND vs SL World Cup final isn’t just a cricket match; it’s a memory that will live on in the hearts of many fans for generations to come. It showcased strength, belief, team unity, and the result of perseverance over time. Dhoni’s six, Gambhir’s composure, Yuvraj’s emotion, and Sachin’s tears told a story that continues to inspire millions even today. 2011 will always be the night India once again ruled the cricketing world.

Read More: ICC Champions Trophy Winners List & Runners-Up (From 1998-2025)

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Who won the ICC World Cup 2011 Final?

India won the final by 6 wickets after successfully chasing 275 against Sri Lanka.

Q2. Who hit the winning shot of the final?

MS Dhoni hit the iconic match-winning six off Nuwan Kulasekara.

Q3. Who was Man of the Match in the 2011 final?

MS Dhoni, for his brilliant 91* and calm leadership, received the award.

Q4. Why did Dhoni bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh?

Dhoni promoted himself because:

• Sri Lanka had two off-spinners operating
• He wanted to nullify the left-handers nuisance maker-Muralitharan.
• Leadership decisions to control pressure from the front
• It became one of the smartest decisions in cricketing history.

Q5. What made the 2011 final emotionally special?

• India lifted the cup after 28 years.
• It was Sachin Tendulkar’s last World Cup.
• Players celebrated by carrying Sachin on their shoulders.