Mumbai hosted the final of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup on Saturday. The finalists were Sri Lanka and India, who beat their great rivals, Pakistan, in the semi-final.
Sri Lanka batted first but made a slow start in the powerplay. The innings started to take shape with the arrival of captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who were able to guide them towards an impressive total. Wickets fell regularly but Jayawardene proved the key man, scoring a vital and unbeaten 103 to take his country to 274 - 6 off 50 overs, with plenty of help from some big hitting at the end.
India’s reply started with all eyes on Sachin Tendulkar, chasing his 100th one-day century on his home ground, although the dangerous Virender Sehwag made the first impression by being out lbw after two balls. Tendulkar then followed for 18 to leave India struggling.
The chase was rebuilt by Gautam Gambhir and their captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, making 97 and 91 not out respectively, the latter hitting a magnificent six to give them the win by six wickets with a final total of 277 – 4.
So Dhoni led his team to their first World Cup since 1983, and most would say they deserve it after a series of fine team performances.
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