OTD | MS Dhoni finished off in style as he guided India to their second ODI World Cup Title in 2011

This day 2nd April is etched in the hearts of millions of Indian fans as India lifted their 2nd ODI World Cup title on this day in 2011. It was indeed a special day for the entire nation as India won the ODI World Cup after a wait of 28 years. The moment became even more special as glory was achieved at the home turf.

Although India won a T20 title in the meantime in 2007 but an ODI World Cup is still considered the pinnacle of cricket. Kapil Dev became the first Indian captain to bring the glory home for India and MS Dhoni doubled it up with his heroics in Mumbai on the night of the finals.

India vs Sri Lanka final

After emerging victorious against Australia in the quarterfinals and beating Pakistan in the semifinals, India was up against a strong Sri Lanka in the finals at the Wankhede Stadium on 2nd April 2011. It was a huge occasion for the nation and the normally hustling Mumbai city for a change was desolate as people were glued to their TVs at home.

Sri Lanka had won the toss and gave a competitive target of 275 runs to India on a sporting Wankhede track. Now, to win the World Cup, India had an uphill task on their hands as it was a record-breaking chase and not even this big a target was chased down in an ODI World Cup final. 

To make matters worse, India’s swashbuckling opener, Virender Sehwag got out on a second-ball duck which was soon followed by the wicket of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for just 18 runs. India was left reeling at 31-2 while chasing a target of 275 runs in a final. There was an air of nervousness across the country but the captain courageous- MS Dhoni had other plans who promoted himself at No.5 and played a blistering knock of 91 not out in just 79 balls.

MS Dhoni along with Gautam Gambhir (91) stitched a 109 runs partnership and took India to safe waters. But as 4 runs were needed, MS Dhoni smashed a six over the long-on boundary to Nuwan Kulasekara which became one of the most iconic moments of Indian cricket history. That six into the dark clouds of Mumbai on 2nd April 2011 and the iconic words of commentator will reverberate in the hearts and minds of every Indian forever.