ICC World Cup 2011 final: 3 unforgettable memories

2 April 2011 is a golden day in Indian cricket history. On this day, MS Dhoni-led India lifted the World Cup trophy for the second time. This win was also the first time when the host country won the World Cup. Gautam Gambhir and Dhoni's brilliance with the bat overcame a strong target set by Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted 274 runs on the board, powered by a magnificent century from Mahela Jayawardene, who scored 103 off 88 balls. Given the occasion of a World Cup final, it was a daunting total to chase for Indian team and it started to look harder when India lost both of their openers very early in the innings.

Gautam Gambhir added a crucial 83-run partnership with Virat Kohli before stitching a match-winning stand with the Indian captain MS Dhoni, who surprisingly came out to bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh. India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets with ten balls to spare. Gautam Gambhir scored a hard-fought 97 and MS Dhoni remained not out after scoring a dazzling 91.

The final was full of drama, emotions, self-belief, and thrill as it yielded many memorable moments that are still savored. Let's have a look at three of those:

#1 Drama at the toss

It was unprecedented circumstances at the toss.

Amidst the huge roar of the jam-packed crowd, Indian captain MS Dhoni with his Sri Lankan counterpart came out for the toss. As it turned out, Dhoni tossed the coin but Jeff Crowe, the match referee, could not hear what Kumar Sangakkara called.

After a brief conversation, it was decided to go for the toss again. This time Sangakkara called it right and decided to bat first in the all-important final.

#2 Yuvraj Singh convinced Dhoni for a DRS

Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni

During the Sri Lankan innings, the partnership for the fourth wicket between Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera had reached 52. Yuvraj Singh was bowling the 39th over of the innings. The first ball of the over hit Samaraweera on the pads and Yuvraj Singh asked Simon Taufel for an LBW but the umpire ruled it not out. Yuvraj Singh was stunned at umpire's decision and was sure about the dismissal.

An optimistic Yuvraj turned to MS Dhoni to ask a review for this but Dhoni did not look convinced as well. After a consultation with a confident Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni decided to take a review and it came in India's favour. Yuvraj's self-belief brought a huge wicket for India. It was the crucial moment in the game as Sri Lanka lost another wicket in the next over as Zaheer Khan dismissed Chamara Kapugedera for just 1.

#3 Sachin Tendulkar was carried around the ground

It was a cherishable moment.

It was a dream came true for Sachin Tendulkar. The Little Master had waited a long for this moment and when it fulfilled, it was extremely emotional for the whole team. As soon as Dhoni finished the match with a memorable six, Sachin Tendulkar came running to the field and celebrated with Dhoni with a huge, satisfying smile.

Winning the World Cup at his home ground, Sachin Tendulkar could not have asked for more. Understanding the importance of the moment, Indian players lifted Sachin on their shoulders and carried him around the iconic Wankhede Stadium for a lap of honour. Yusuf Pathan and Virat Kohli lifted Sachin and the whole team walked together to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Everyone present at the stadium or who watched it on their TV sets cannot forget the emotional moment when Sachin was given the lap of honour.