Cricket World Cup History: Ranking the five greatest innings in a losing cause

#1 Mahela Jayawardene - 103* vs India, 2011 World Cup

Mahela Jayawardene

Any century scored in International cricket is a great achievement. The century becomes even more special if it comes to a World Cup final. Mahela Jayawardene achieved just that in the final of the 2011 World Cup vs India.

At one stage, reaching a score of even 250 seemed to be difficult for Sri Lankans. The right-handed batsman launched an attack on the Indian bowlers in the slog overs. The legendary batsman completed his century as he scored 103 runs off 88 balls, which helped Sri Lanka to set a target of 275 for India.

Sri Lanka made a bright start when Lasith Malinga dismissed both Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early. However, Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni played a brilliant innings to ensure that India lifted the coveted the trophy after 28 years.

Sadly, for Jayawardene and Sri Lanka, the brilliant innings went in vain as Sri Lanka lost the second World Cup final in a row.