Gautam Gambhir compiled a nerveless 97 and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni led by example with 91 not out from 79 balls as India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to claim their second World Cup crown in Mumbai.
The 1983 champions appeared to have their work cut out under the Wankhede Stadium lights when they slipped to 31 for two in pursuit of 275, with Lasith Malinga removing Virender Sehwag for a second-ball duck and Sachin Tendulkar for 18.
However, the composed Gambhir, who was dropped by a diving Nuwan Kulasekara at long-off on 30, played the anchor role to perfection and shared stands of 83 with Virat Kohli and 109 with Dhoni to turn the game in India’s favour.
Thisara Perera provided Sri Lanka with late hope when he bowled Gambhir with 52 still required, but Dhoni, finding form for the first time in the tournament, saw his side home with 10 balls remaining in the company of player of the tournament Yuvraj Singh, who finished unbeaten on 21.
India’s victory overshadowed a sublime unbeaten 103 from Mahela Jayawardene, who became the first man to score a century in a World Cup final and end on the losing side.
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