Little Master Sachin Tendulkar Finally Achieves His Dream World Cup Dream..

A highly emotional Sachin Tendulkar
will finally have the World Cup
champions memento in his cabinet of
trophies. Sachin said it was the
"proudest moment of my life". "I could not have asked for anything
else. It is the proudest moment of my
life," said Tendulkar after the Indian
team did a lap of honour after India's
six wicket victory over Sri Lanka here
Saturday to lift the World Cup after 28 years.

World Cup 2011: Euphoric scenes after India's world cup triumph world cup final..

Delirious scenes were seen across Kolkata
as the city's cricket- crazy crowd went wild in widespread celebration late into the night moments after India's historic World Cup triumph in Mumbai.. No Sooner than
Mahendra
Singh Dhoni hit the winning run off Nuwan Kulasekara for a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka who got past India in an eventful 1996 World Cup semifinals in Kolkata, euphoric scenes followed across the city. In a nation where cricket is considered
as religion, the triumph by Dhoni's army became the ultimate joy for everybody across Kolkata and India alike. Thousands of fans wearing Team India jersey waving tricolours flocked to the three-kilometre Park Street stretch, city's most popular address and celebrations continued while similar scenes were seen across the city and elsewhere. Be it Dalhousie, the city's central business district, or Salt Lake, the IT hub, or Esplanade, the city's heart, or Shyambazar in North or Behala, cricketing fraternity's most popular address with the residence of Sourav Ganguly, frenzied scenes ticked off all across. Ganguly might be busy with his TV commentary committments, but the locality of his residence went into the celebration mode as soon as the victory became clear. At City Centre mall, Salt Lake, where a gigantic screen was put up more than thousand people broke into dance and honked horns as partying began. While there were ecstatic celebrations, emotional scenes too were seen with many fans breaking into tears after India's second World Cup win after about three decades. With cheers of 'India... India... Vande Mataram... Jai Ho...' and 'De Ghumake'...' youngsters came out holding tricolors high, a mark of realisation of a billion dreams. "Many of us were either not born in 1983 or were not grown up to watch Kapil Dev win in the West Indies. We have grown up hearing the Kapil Devil's story from our parents. "We waited through years, and six editions of World Cups passed by. Sourav Ganguly's team had come to a sniffing distance in 2003... But. The moment has come now," 18-year-old Neha Keshri, accompanied by her jubilant friends, said in Behala. "Celebration has just begun... It will go on and on. We will not stop. We have so far heard the stories now we will celebrate and live on with this moment," said Bijay Dubey, a 33-year- old fan in Tollygunge.

India vs Sri Lanka: I had point to prove in final, admits Dhoni..

MUMBAI:
India captain
Mahendra Singh
Dhoni admitted
he took
a World Cup final
gamble on
Saturday, a
high- stakes strategy
which paid dividends
with a first
world title
since 1983.
He included wayward seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth instead of steady spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and pushed himself up the batting order where he made an unbeaten 91. He finished the game with a huge six as India celebrated their six-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in style. "I took a quite few decisions tonight and if we hadn't had won I would have been asked quite a few questions," said Dhoni. "Why no Ashwin? Why Sreesanth? Why no Yuvraj (at five)? Why did I bat ahead? That pushed me and motivated to do well." Dhoni had admitted he had struggled for runs coming into the final. "The pressure had got to me in the previous games. In this match I wanted to bat up the order and (coach) Gary (Kirsten) backed me as did the senior players. I had a point to prove to myself." Dhoni also praised Gautam Gambhir who fell just three runs short of a century and Virat Kohli (35) who put on 83 for the third wicket. Gambhir also shared a crucial partnership of 109 with his captain after Lasith Malinga had removed openers Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18) to leave the home side on a worrying 31-2 in pursuit of 274. "Virat and Gautam batted brillantly. There were lots of singles and then with the help of bit of dew, we put pressure on their spinners. I would have liked Gautam to go on and get that big hundred." Man of the tournament Yuvraj Singh said victory had capped a remarkable period for India, the commercial powerhouse of the world game. "This is unbelievable. We won the Under-19 World Cup, then the Twenty20 but this is the most special," said Yuvraj, who was man of the match on four occasions. "It's for Sachin and for everyone else. Batting second means a lot of pressure
but Gauti and MS played outstandingly.
They played like it was a normal game. We batted like champions. Thank you India." Tendulkar, who was winning his first World Cup in six attempts, said it had been the proudest moment of his career. "I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life," said Tendulkar. "But thanks to my team-mates, without them, nothing would have happened. I couldn't control my tears of joy. "The team stuck together in the rough phases and proved people wrong who doubted our ability. Self-belief has been always there but in the last two years, we have been very consistent. It's been great honour to be part of this team." The Board of Control for Cricket in India later announced that every player would receive $225,000 each for their efforts..

India win ICC World Cup 2011: We had started preparing one- and-a-half years ago: Dhoni

After leading India to their second World Cup triumph with
an unbeaten 91, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Saturday
his team had peaked at the right moment
and reaped dividends from one-and-a-half years of preparation. "About one or one-and-a-half years back, we had set our eyes on the World Cup. We had a long-term goal. We started preparing for the World Cup," Dhoni told mediapersons after handing Sri Lanka a six-wicket defeat in the final at the Wankhede Stadium here. "As part of the build-up, the Indians had taken all measures to keep the "prospects and the best eleven in best form". "We knew there were quite a few league games. We wanted the best players to be in their best form." "We knew it was a big challenge. We took it series by series. And all these preparations helped us to reach this position," said Dhoni, who scored an unbeaten 91 and was involved in a match-winning 109-run stand with Gautam Gambhir (97). In the World Cup, the Indians were in good shape and "each and every individual was throwing themselves around." "They applied their reserve batteries. We peaked at the right time. And carried the momentum into the final," said Dhoni, who also lead India to the Twenty20 World Cup title in 2007..

India win World Cup 2011: Big B hits Mumbai streets with tricolour to celebrate India's win..

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan believes that if he watches a cricket match, India will lose. But he not only sat in front of the TV to see the India-Sri Lanka World Cup final here Saturday, also hit the road in open car to celebrate with others when the home team won.

"Me superstitious about watching match coz' we lose... but after 33 for 2 (sic), don't know why, sat in front of TV till the six from (M.S.) Dhoni," he tweeted after India's six wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Diya ghuma ke, ghuma ke, ghuma ke!!," he wrote, very excited.

The 68-year-old says he hadn't previously witnessed the kind of euphoria in the city that followed India's victory.

"No one is saying anything...just screaming!! It is bizarre!!! Roads lanes everywhere jammed with people and screams!! Never before!"

"Anhonee ko hooni kar de, honi ko anhonee ! Ek jagah jab jama hon tinoh - Rajni, Gajni aur Dhoni!!!" he tweeted.

The megastar's excitment was evident from the fact that he was simultaneoulsy updating his Twitter page and his blog.

"We won ! We are the World Champions! Yeeeehhhhh!!," he posted on his blog.

Amitabh, too, joined the jubilant crowds with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

"It is madness outside!! Abhishek, Aishwarya and me on top of the roof of a car, waving tricolor and just screaming!! Hundreds with us."

"We are the world!! Just back from...sitting on top of the roof, waving the tricolor and just screaming!!"

Overwhelmed after India won the World Cup after 28 years, actress Aishwarya Rai is proud of Team India and Sachin Tendulkar.

"Delirious with joy...screamed hoarse...Love India and Love India Team...Full power and God Bless...and much love to Sachin...So So Happy...Team India is the BESSSTT," Aishwarya said in SMS released by her publicist.

India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium here to lift the World Cup for the second time since 1983.

Meanwhile, Singing legend Lata Mangeshkar says she was sure that India would lift the World Cup Saturday.

"I was confident that India will win the World Cup. I would like to congratulate the whole Indian team and the country for this win," Lata told a news channel.

The 88-year-old, who is a great admirer of Sachin Tendulkar, said: "Sachin toh desh ka Kohinoor hai. (Sachin is the jewel of India)."

India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium Saturday to replicate their 1983 World Cup triumph.

Lata fasted when India played Pakistan in the semifinal at Mohali Wednesday.

A cricket fan, she was at Lord's watch the historic 1983 encounter in which Kapil's Devils bested the West Indies..

Via Economics Times India Times..

India win World Cup 2011: Jai Ho! Bollywood tweets on India's World Cup victory..

"Jai Ho", "Jai Hind" and "Vande Mataram" was the response of Bollywood celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, Shilpa Shetty, Sushmita Sen and Anupam Kher as India beat Sri Lanka to win the cricket World Cup after 28 years. The film fraternity saluted Indian captain M.S. Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, apart from congratulating Sri Lanka for a tough match.

The celebrities took to micro-blogging site Twitter to congratulate team India soon after the match ended. Here's what they had to say:

Madhuri Dixit: Congrats Team India!!! We did it!!!! Great job bringing the cup back!!! Strong work Dhoni, Tendulkar and company! What an awesome match. Both sides played well!

Anupam Kher: THANK YOU Team India for giving us this GLORIOUS and PROUD moment. JAI HO

Shilpa Shetty: And History is Made! A timeless moment which will b etched n r minds forevr.Wel dne Team India,tk a bow.U made us cry n made r dream come true

Diya Mirza: Thank you Sri lanka for making it tough! YOU played so well! Made our win so much sweeter!

Vivek Oberoi: Yayyyyyyy!!!! What a historic moment! I'm so lucky to be here and see this happen live in front of my eyes! I've never experienced this kind of mass hysteria!!! India is proud of our team : jai hind!

Sushmita Sen: Yipppeeeeee!!!! We are world champions again after 28 yrs! I can't stop crying...MS DHONI n our men in blue...take a bow!!! I love u guys!! What an honor it is to represent one's country...and to do it with your very best..SRI LANKA well played!! We salute your spirit!! God bless

Madhur Bhandarkar: India creates history, winning the World Cup. Such proud moments for every Indian. Congrats Team India. Jai Hind & Vande Mataram. In Mohali it was Dussera and in Mumbai it is Diwali.

Bipasha Basu: Mahi n our entire team made us so proud! What a historical moment! The excitement was unimaginable!

Lara Dutta: Chak De India!!! Congratulations to the team and thankyou!!! That's 28yrs in the coming! Unbelievable stuff!!

Arbaaz Khan: Congrats India!!! Awesome win :) We are the CHAMPIONS. Jai ho!!!

Sonakshi Sinha: We WONNNNNNNNNNN!!!!! :D woooooooo hoooooooo!!!!! Mubaraarakan badhaaiyaan pathaaaaaakeeee!!!!

Celina Jaitley: TEARS FLOW ... LIGHT BLUE .. FOR U INDIA ....

Mandira Bedi: Sachin will finally be able to hold that one piece of Silverware that has evaded him his whole career...A WC trophy!!! AWESOME win! So proud of our team. So proud to be Indian!

Pooja Bhatt: CONGRATULATIONS INDIA! VERY WELL PLAYED SRI LANKA - Your dignity and spirit is inspiring! Salutations!

Vishal Dadlani: For 28 years, since I watched 'em win as a 10 year-old, I've waited for today!! Each disappointment took me further away from cricket. Today, I'm a ten year old fan again.

Shruti Haasan: Hell yeahhhh!! That was awesome!!! Even a non cricket fan like me was sucked in!!! Good on india!!!!!!!!!!!!woooohoo!

"WINDIA!" Indian press revels in World Cup win..

Indian cricketers celebrate with the trophy after beating Sri Lanka in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on April 2. India won by six wickets.

"The World At Our Feet" crowed the front page headline in the Times of India, above a picture of the team celebrating with the trophy after seeing off their South Asian rivals Sri Lanka on Saturday in Mumbai.

"The wait has ended and a new legend has been born," the Times said, putting Dhoni's squad on the same pedestal as the last Indian team to win the World Cup back in 1983.

The Hindustan Times did not even bother with a headline, covering its front page with a picture of the joyous Indian players behind a huge hoarding in the Wankhede Stadium bearing the slogan "Champions".

India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil, after successfully chasing down the largest run-target ever set in a final.

"Men who make history defy all the odds," the Hindustan Times said, labelling the win "a resounding announcement of India's official coronation as the world's best team."

"Windia!" was the banner headline in the Indian Express, while the Mail Today ran "Cup of Joy" over a picture of champagne bursting over the players' heads as they held up the trophy.

Like many newspapers, the Mail singled out the role of skipper Dhoni, who hit the winning runs in style with an imperious six into the packed stands.

"Hail Mahendra Singh Dhoni," the newspaper said. "On a night when the heat inside the Wankhede Stadium could have left you breathless, the inspirational leader showed what it is to lead from the front."

There was special praise too for the "instrumental" efforts of India's coach, former South African Test player Gary Kirsten, who has been credited with reviving the team's fortunes after a turbulent era under Australian coach Greg Chappell.

And most newspapers ran special articles to honour star batsman Sachin Tendulkar who, at 37, was almost certainly appearing in his last World Cup tournament.

Tendulkar, playing in front of his home crowd, failed with bat, scoring just 18 runs, but still ended up shedding tears of joy once victory was assured.

"For very long, cricket has been synonymous with Tendulkar all over India," said the Indian Express.

"But home is where the heart lies, and no other ground in India, or the world, could have provided a more emotional platform for the batting maestro."

Praise and congratulations poured in from all quarters, including Indian President Pratibha Patil.

"All of you truly deserve the thanks of a billion plus Indians today," she said in a message to the team, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked the players for having "made India proud."

The tone was very different in Sri Lanka, where the state-run media blasted everything from the preparation of the national team to the squad selection.

The Sunday Observer particularly questioned the wisdom of playing a half-fit Muttiah Muralitharan, the ace spinner and world record wicket-taker, who was retiring after Saturday's game.

"Was it advisable playing a half-fit Muralitharan?" the state-run paper said. "Winning the mega final is much more important than giving a farewell tribute to even a great cricketer of Muralitharan's magnitude."

Via Bangkokpost.com

2011 Cricket World Cup Stats..

Dates 19 February – 2 April 2011
Administrator(s) International Cricket Council

Cricket format One-Day International

Tournament format(s) Round robin and Knockout

Host(s) India
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh

Champions India (2nd title)

Participants 14 (from 104 entrants)

Matches played 49

Man Of the Match For Final: M.S.Dhoni

Man of the Series Yuvraj Singh

Most runs Tillakaratne Dilshan (500)

Most wickets Shahid Afridi (21)

Zaheer Khan (21)

Official website cricket.yahoo.com
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