ICC World Cup 2011 Final: Dhoni’s Triumph! The Unforgettable Night When a 91* Spark Fulfilled a Billion Dreams

ICC ODI World Cup: On April 2, 2011, a day etched deeply in the memories of more than a billion cricket enthusiasts, a monumental event unfolded. The day is also widely remembered for the brilliant knock played by MS Dhoni (91* off 79).

The Sri Lankan team had already set an imposing target of 275 runs. However, as the Indian innings commenced, the team faced a daunting challenge, finding themselves in a precarious situation, grappling at a score of 3 for 114. The downfall began with the loss of Virender Sehwag on only the second ball of the chase. When Tendulkar also departed in the seventh over, tension engulfed the Wankhede Stadium. As Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli united to keep the team's aspirations alive. However, the 22nd over witnessed Kohli's exit, leaving India still 161 runs away from the target and heightening the sense of unease.

MS Dhoni wins it for India

Taking everyone by surprise, it was MS Dhoni who strode in at No. 5, choosing to step onto the field ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh. Up until that pivotal moment, Dhoni had managed a total of 150 runs across seven innings, with a highest score of just 34. However, the stage was set for Dhoni on this April evening. His journey began cautiously, requiring seven deliveries for the first run. Progress was gradual as he scored 12 runs from 23 balls. The demanded run rate gradually crept above a run per ball, and that served as the signal for Dhoni.

Dhoni adopted a measured approach at the outset, concentrating on rotating the strike and scoring singles and twos, while intervally unleashing his signature powerful shots. Gradually, he initiated a shift in the match's balance, favoring India's side. His timed strokes, swift running between the wickets, and astute assessment of the game's state took India closer to the target.

As the game entered its final stages, the tension remained high. With just 4 runs needed off 11 balls, the collective hopes of more than a billion people hinged on Dhoni, standing at the crease. And then transpired the moment that was destined to write itself into the books of cricketing history.

Watch the viral ICC ODI World Cup video

With that singular masterful stroke, he not only elevated his individual score to 91 runs off 79 deliveries, but also seized the coveted World Cup for India, culminating a drought of 28 years.

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