OTD、2011年4月2日：Datoni Datoni Datoni Daftが28年待つのはいつですか

Even though it’s been 14 years, the memory is still fresh in every Indian cricket fan’s mind when MS Dhoni hit that six at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, bringing back the glory of the ICC ODI World Cup after 28 years. It fulfilled the nation’s dream and scripted a new era for Indian cricket. The Indian cricket team faced a lot of hurdles in winning the World Cup. The pressure was on India as they were hosting the tournament. Still, they played some brave cricket to end the wait.

India’s journey to glory

India began their 2011 World Cup campaign with a win over Bangladesh. Virat Kohli’s maiden World Cup century powered India to a formidable total of 370/4, and Munaf Patel’s four-wicket haul helped secure an 87-run win. India closed the group stage with an 80-run victory over the West Indies in Chennai. Yuvraj Singh’s 123-ball 113 and his two-wicket haul were pivotal in defending the total of 268, restricting the opposition to 188.

Thumping Australia and Pakistan

In the quarter-final, India faced Australia in Ahmedabad. Limiting the Aussies to 260, thanks to the combined efforts of Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, and Yuvraj Singh, India chased down the target with Yuvraj’s half-century sealing a five-wicket victory. A power packed semi-final against arch-rivals Pakistan saw India secure a 29-run win. Sachin Tendulkar’s crucial 85 earned him the Player of the Match award, and a collective bowling effort ensured Pakistan was bowled out for 231 runs.

The iconic final against Sri Lanka

In the final at Wankhede Stadium on April 2, India faced a strong Sri Lankan side. Despite Mahela Jayawardene’s impressive century that propelled Sri Lanka to 274/6, India’s chase, anchored by Gautam Gambhir’s 97 runs, set the stage for a memorable finish. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 85, capped by a historic six, sealed India’s victory, becoming an iconic moment in cricket history. This win not only marked India’s second World Cup title but also fulfilled the dreams of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in his sixth World Cup appearance.