The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, especially for Indians, as it marked the country’s second World Cup win after 28 years. While the thrilling matches and India’s historic victory are well-remembered, there are several lesser-known facts about the tournament that many might not know. Here are 10 unknown facts about the 2011 Cricket World Cup that will surprise even the most ardent cricket enthusiasts.
1. The Unbroken Indian Man of the Match Streak
One fascinating trend during the 2011 World Cup was that every Indian player who scored a half-century ended up winning the Man of the Match award in that game. This unique achievement was accomplished by Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, and Gautam Gambhir. This “Midas touch” added to India’s dominance throughout the tournament.
2. Yuvraj Singh’s Record-Breaking All-Round Performance
Yuvraj Singh was undoubtedly the star of the 2011 World Cup, becoming the first player in the tournament’s history to score over 300 runs and take 15 wickets in a single edition. His extraordinary all-round performance earned him four Man of the Match awards and the prestigious Player of the Tournament title.
3. Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th ODI Six
Sachin Tendulkar, often hailed as the “God of Cricket,” achieved a significant milestone during the 2011 World Cup. In the match against England, where he scored 120 runs, Tendulkar hit his 200th six in One Day Internationals (ODIs), making him the first cricketer to reach this remarkable feat.
4. Lasith Malinga’s Double Hat-Trick Record
Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga set a unique World Cup record by becoming the first bowler to take two hat-tricks in World Cup history. His first hat-trick was in the 2007 World Cup against South Africa, and he repeated the feat in 2011 against Kenya, further cementing his reputation as one of the most lethal bowlers in cricket.
5. India’s Record-Breaking Chase in the Final
The final match against Sri Lanka saw India chasing a target of 275 runs, which was the highest score ever successfully chased in a World Cup final at that time. Gautam Gambhir’s steady 97 and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91, capped by his iconic match-winning six, led India to a historic victory.
6. MS Dhoni’s First and Last Six of the Tournament
MS Dhoni’s match-winning six in the final is etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide. Interestingly, this was the first and only six Dhoni hit during the entire 2011 World Cup. This epic shot not only won India the World Cup but also became one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
7. Pakistan’s Unbeaten Record Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan continued its winning streak against Sri Lanka in World Cups by defeating them during the group stages of the 2011 tournament. This victory marked Pakistan’s 7th consecutive World Cup win over Sri Lanka, maintaining their perfect record against the island nation.
8. The “100” Century Curse of Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar scored two centuries during the 2011 World Cup, bringing his international century tally to 99. However, despite his stellar performance, he couldn’t reach his 100th century during the tournament. This elusive 100th century came more than a year later, in a match against Bangladesh in 2012.
9. The First World Cup Hosted by Three Nations
The 2011 World Cup was unique as it was the first edition to be co-hosted by three countries: India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Originally, Pakistan was also supposed to be a co-host, but due to security concerns, it was excluded, making this World Cup a tri-nation affair.
10. Record-Breaking Number of Sixes
The 2011 World Cup saw a record-breaking 258 sixes hit during the tournament, making it the edition with the most sixes in World Cup history at the time. This high number of sixes added to the excitement and entertainment value of the tournament, making it one of the most memorable World Cups ever.
Conclusion
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was not just about India’s triumph; it was a tournament full of remarkable achievements, records, and moments that have since become part of cricketing folklore. From Yuvraj Singh’s all-round heroics to Sachin Tendulkar’s milestones, the tournament was a cricketing spectacle that will be remembered for generations. These lesser-known facts add even more depth to the excitement that surrounded the 2011 World Cup, making it a truly unforgettable event in the history of the sport.