Historic Moment In Indian Cricket
“Dhoni finishes off in style,” said Ravi Shastri, the present head coach of India who was a commentator then, from the commentary box as Dhoni hit a six to make India lift its second world cup on April 2nd, 2011 nine years ago.
On this day nine years back, India won its historic world cup for the second time 28 years after it won the coveted prize for the first time in 1983 in England under Kapil Dev’s leadership.
The 2011 world cup victory might be unique in its way as it attained on the home soil in the middle of a happy home crowd.
Going into the tournament that held in the Indian subcontinent for India was both advantageous and also had drawbacks.
The support of millions of fans surrounding them might be advantageous as it gives them extra inspiration, but it also adds to the pressure of vast expectations of winning in their own country.
The tournament started on February 19th. India launched its campaign on the day itself, where it defeated Bangladesh in the opening match.
India, who played six matches in the league stages, won 4 games comfortably and lost one while its match with England ended in a tie.
Yuvraj Singh Saves The Quarterfinals
India, along with seven other teams, entered the quarterfinals. In quarters it faced the formidable Australia the defending champions.
That might have been a big test for India as it was facing a strong team, and also it was a knock-out match.
India won the match, but it was a hard-fought win obtained mainly due to the heroics of Yuvraj Singh, who came to the crease in a tight situation and made 57 not out.
In semis, India met their archrival Pakistan which must have been a dream match-up for any cricket fan. India beat Pakistan by 29 runs.
In the finals at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai India faced-off its neighbor Sri Lanka and chased the target of 275 in 48.2 overs, therefore becoming the world champions for the second time.
