On this day 10 years ago, billion dreams were fulfilled with MS Dhoni's 'magnificent strike'
"Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent stroke into the crowd! India lift the World Cup after 28 years!" these words, on this day in 2011, by Ravi Shastri still echo in the ears of Indian fans. MS Dhoni had smashed a huge six against the Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Kulasekara in the final match of ICC World Cup 2011 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai to lift the title after 28 years.
With a spectacular six against Nuwan Kulasekara, MS Dhoni not only gave millions of Indians a memory but also fulfilled the dream of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Master Blaster waited 22 years for lifting the trophy. On April 2, 2011, it was Sachin's dream and the fantasy of millions of people in India to lift the World Cup trophy, which was fulfilled.
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India had won the first World Cup in 1983 under the leadership of Kapil Dev and then onwards the Indian team was not able to lay its hands on the trophy until ICC World Cup 2011.
During the WC 2011, India lost only one match against South Africa under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Defeating Pakistan in the semi-final, India reached the finale where it locked horns with Sri Lanka.
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Wankhede was like a sea of blue as Indian fans were filled up each and every seat to witness the history. The rest of the Indians were stuck to TV screens to witness the mega clash. India was given a target of 275 runs. Mahela Jayawardene had played an amazing inning of 103 runs off 88 balls including 13 boundaries.
Chasing 275, India lost two early wickets including Sachin Tendulkar. The score was 31/2 in the sixth over. Gautam Gambir (97) played sensible cricket while MS Dhoni (91*) took the crease and led the side from the front.
While Dhoni was named Man of the Match, Yuvraj Singh was named Player of the tournament. The entire nation was almost on the streets, the 'Josh' was 'High', some even had tears in their eyes. It was the moment when the whole nation was together. April 2, 2011, remains one of the unforgettable days in the history of Indian cricket.
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