7 Best moments from India's memorable 2011 World Cup triumph

India v Sri Lanka - 2011 ICC World Cup Final
The victorious Indian team

#1 Dhoni's stand with Gautam Gambhir

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Dhoni and Gauti took India to within touching (cusp) distance of a victory

Playing at Wankhede Stadium in the World Cup final, India had the chance to become the first team to win a World Cup at home. A fantastic hundred from Mahela Jayawardene and late innings pyrotechnics from Thisara Perera ensured India had to chase a massive target of 275. India got off to the worst possible start by losing Sehwag in the first over.

Things got worse when home-boy Sachin Tendulkar was snapped up soon after by Mumbai Indians teammate Lasith Malinga. The home crowd was silenced at 30 for 2 and had a mountain to climb. Kohli and Gambhir started the repair work and put on 84 runs for the third wicket before Dilshan dismissed Kohli for 35.

As everyone was expecting an in-form Yuvraj Singh to walk out, out-of-form captain Dhoni took the responsibility on himself to guide the ship. Dhoni walked out to counter the three off-spinners and to keep Yuvraj Singh for the later overs. The decision worked a treat as the duo added 109 for the fourth wicket, with Dhoni taking charge.

He took the attack to the Sri Lankan off-spinners with some unconventional batting. He brought up his first fifty of the tournament under immense pressure. Just as it seemed like the pair would finish it off, an ill-timed slog by Gautam Gambhir saw him walk back to the pavilion for 97, missing out a well-deserved World Cup final hundred.

Man-of-the-Tournament, Yuvraj Singh, walked out to guide India home with balls to spare.

MS Dhoni was there till the end and finished off the innings in style with the iconic six off Kulasekara, deep into the stands to send the crowd and the nation into delirium.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram
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