It was a rare day at Lord's. On June 29, 1924, for the first time in the history of cricket, over 500 runs were scored in a single day's play. The historic record was set by the host team, England, especially thanks to Jack Hobbs, Herbert Sutcliffe, Frank Woolley, and Patsy Hendren.

Three batters of the top four in the English batting order scored centuries. The opening pair between Hobbs and Sutcliffe stitched a record-breaking 268-run partnership itself. After one down, England again successfully created a 142-run partnership. With the loss of only a couple of wickets, they got 531 runs on the board and then decided to declare the innings.

That unthinkable total was enough to defeat their opponent, South Africa. England won the match by an inning and 18 runs. South Africa, in the first innings, put 273 on the scoreboard; naturally, the total would be considered enough to put up a hard fight. But out of the blue, England produced 531 and placed SA under an excessive amount of pressure. In the second innings, the Herbie Taylor-led team managed to have only 240, and England won the match comfortably. 

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Sri Lanka touched the record in 2002 as a single team

The record, five hundred-plus runs in a single day by a team, was untouched until Sri Lanka took 509 in a day off Bangladesh early in 2002. 

But in all, 522 runs were scored during a match between England and India 12 years later. 

13 years ago today, The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai witnessed an unforgettable showdown between India and Sri Lanka, culminating in an iconic victory sealed by MS Dhoni’s legendary six. With this win, India marked a historic moment in the annals of cricket history as India clinched their second ODI World Cup title. .

India’s Journey in the 2011 ODI World Cup

India’s campaign in the 2011 World Cup commenced with promising performances in the group stages. Displaying formidable form, the Indian team showcased their dominance, securing victories against formidable opponents.

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As the tournament progressed to the knockout stages, India faced intensified competition. Overcoming challenges posed by strong contenders like Australia and Pakistan, the Indian team displayed resilience and skill, paving their path to the grand finale.

The Epic Final Showdown

The 2011 ODI World Cup final witnessed a historic clash between India and Sri Lanka, marking the first all-Asian final in World Cup history. The packed stadium buzzed with anticipation as the two cricketing giants squared off for the ultimate prize. The final saw India chase Sri Lanka’s 274 with standout innings from Gambhir and Dhoni, leading to a historic win.

Memorable performances from stalwarts like Gautam Gambhir and Zaheer Khan underscored India’s determination to clinch the title. Despite early setbacks, India’s pursuit of victory remained steadfast, propelled by crucial contributions from key players. Sri Lanka’s 274/6 was highlighted by Mahela Jayawardene’s century. India’s chase was rocky at the start but stabilised by Kohli and Gambhir’s partnership.

In a moment etched in cricketing folklore, MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91, culminating in a thunderous six, sealed India’s triumph. The captain’s composed innings under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award and solidified his status as a cricketing icon.

Victory Celebrations and Impact

India’s triumph ignited celebrations across the nation, uniting cricket enthusiasts in a wave of euphoria. Streets reverberated with joyous chants as fans celebrated the team’s historic achievement, waving the tricolour with pride.

The 2011 World Cup victory left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, inspiring future generations of cricketers to aspire for greatness. The team’s display of resilience and teamwork served as a beacon of hope, instilling a sense of pride and determination among fans.

The Journey Since 2011

Despite India’s stellar performance in subsequent World Cup tournaments, securing another title has remained elusive. Heartbreaking defeats in 2015, 2019, and the most recent 2023 final against Australia have tested the team’s resolve.

As India gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, optimism runs high among players and fans alike. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team aims to reclaim glory on the international stage, igniting hopes of another triumphant chapter in Indian cricket history.