#OnThisDay: MS Dhoni 'finishes off in style' as India lifted the World Cup after 28 years

"And Dhoni finishes off in style! A magnificent strike into the crowd. India lift the World Cup after 28 years!" This sentence is still hitched in the minds of every Indian.

When player-turned-commentator-turned-head coach Ravi Shastri said it, the cheers just grew as Indian cricket fans finally realised that India gave finally clinched the 2011 World Cup trophy.

MS Dhoni’s huge six to finish the game will always be remembered as Shastri's high-pitched tone said, "Remember the name". The day, April 2, 2011, is still clear - from Shastri's commentary to Dhoni's six or Lasith Malinga's opening burst.

It took India 28 years to win their second ICC World Cup trophy and the most being that it took place in their own backyard at the Wankhede stadium.

This day in 2011

HISTORY  #TeamIndia

Watch the highlights of the epic 2011 World Cup final and relive the memories here https://t.co/qKuPoMeblY pic.twitter.com/C0apY6tqx0

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 2, 2020

When you think about the match, it didn't start on a great note for India as Dhoni lost the toss and Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara opted to bat first. 

However, fast bowler Zaheer Khan made sure to get rid of Upul Tharanga in the 7th over and Harbhajan Singh sent TM Dilshan back 10 overs later. 

Sri Lanka reached 60 and Sangakkara forged a solid 62-run stand for the 3rd wicket along with legend Mahela Jayawardene.

While Indian bowlers were doing their best, Jayawardene chose the occasion to leave a mark as ended up scoring a scintillating 103* off just 88 balls. India were set a stiff 275 to win the match under lights.

The 40,000+ crowd roared as Sachin Tendulkar took to the field. It was Tendulkar's long-held dream to win the World Cup and it was also his 6th attempt. However, for Tendulkar, Sri Lanka's opening bowler Lasith Malinga made sure it didn't start well. 

With just the 2nd ball of the Indian chase, Malinga trapped Virender Sehwag in front before getting the big wicket of Tendulkar in his 4th over. The host were reduced to 31/2. 

Sri Lanka were on a high and India were under extreme pressure. Soon walked in the young Virat Kohli - then 22 - had senior Gautam Gambhir for company and the two started consolidating by rotating the strike.The duo put on 83 runs for the 3rd wicket when Kohli lobbed a return catch to Dilshan after scoring 35 crucial runs. 

While all expected India's usual No. 4 Yuvraj Singh to walk in, Dhoni was seen on the field. Dhoni let Gambhir play freely while chipping in with the odd boundaries. Bit by bit, the two brought the deficit down to below 100.

Just when India felt that they could win, Gambhir advanced to a good length delivery from Thisara Perera and ended up losing his off-stump. He was out for 97.

Now came in Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni, who had not yet started batting freely accelerated. 

And just like most of those chases, Dhoni hit a six with a big grin on his face. As soon as the winning six was hit, Yuvraj who was at the other end was spellbound as the captain closed in on the stumps to keep them as a souvenir. 

This day will surely never be forgotten by any Indian fan!