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Relive: The Night When MS Dhoni Fulfilled a Billion Dreams with 91 Not Out in ICC World Cup 2011 Final

image-ljs9dxgwMS Dhoni's six sent the entire nation into frenzy 

The date was April 2, 2011, a date inscribed into the hearts of over a billion cricket fans. India was battling Sri Lanka in the ICC World Cup 2011 Final, who had already set a challenging target of 275 runs. As the Indian innings began, the team found itself in an uncomfortable position, struggling at 3 for 114.

Echoes of the past: MS Dhoni's World Cup-Winning 91* (79)

Each tick of the score and every passing over were adding to the already immense pressure. The audience, a sea of more than a billion hearts throbbing in unison, held its breath. The expectations were ginormous, the dreams vast and the collective hope a gigantic mountain. The nation was anxiously praying, waiting for a saviour. 

At this precarious juncture, a calm figure strode out to the pitch. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Indian Captain, had made his entry. Dhoni, known for his cool demeanour and exceptional decision-making abilities, took the responsibility onto his shoulders. 

The Indian skipper promoted himself up the order, ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh, a move that surprised many. But this was a skipper who led from the front and was ready to face the crisis head-on.

As he took his guard, the stadium fell silent, all eyes focused on the man who had taken up the herculean task of steering India towards victory. Dhoni started steadily, focusing on turning the strike and picking up singles and doubles, while occasionally launching into his trademark powerful shots.

Slowly but surely, he started turning the tide in India's favour. His well-timed strokes, quick running between the wickets, and flawless judgement of the game situation were working in tandem to take India closer to the target.

The situation was still tense as the game neared its end. India needed 4 runs off 11 balls. The hopes of over a billion people were pinned on Dhoni, who was at the crease. Then came the moment that was destined to be engraved in cricket history forever.

Dhoni, in his characteristic style, smashed a monstrous six over long-on off Nuwan Kulasekara. The stadium erupted with thunderous applause and deafening cheers as he twirled his bat and watched the ball disappear into the stands. With that one masterstroke, he not only took his personal tally to 91 runs off 79 balls, but also clinched the World Cup for India after 28 long years.