* Dhoni and Gambhir mastermind high-pressure chase; Jayawardene's luminous century in vain

Twenty - eight years after Indian cricket changed forever on an English summer's day, the country's dream of enhancing its reputation as a major force in the world game found glorious realisation at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Mahela Jayawardene lit up the World Cup final with a century of rare radiance, enabling Sri Lanka to score 274 for six in 50 overs. But Gautam Gambhir responded with an innings of 97 that was just as masterful. Captain M.S. Dhoni summoned his best under pressure and hit the winning runs a six to gift India and the great Sachin Tendulkar the World Cup.

Published Date : Sunday, 3/4/2011 4:31 PM IST