The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup holds a special place in every Indian’s heart. One of the standout moments of the tournament was the semifinal clash of India vs Pakistan, where Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag opened the batting. It was a match that left an indelible mark on cricket fans worldwide.
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Sachin Tendulkar, widely known as the “Master Blaster,” is a name synonymous with excellence in cricket. His records and achievements speak volumes, but there is one milestone that eluded him in the 2011 World Cup semifinal – a missed century against Pakistan. He came remarkably close, scoring a brilliant 85, before being dismissed by the skilful right-arm off-break spinner Saeed Ajmal.
As the Little Master walked back to the pavilion, there was a moment of connection between him and his opening partner, Virender Sehwag. Sehwag, sitting in the dugout, couldn’t help but smile at Sachin, who reciprocated with a smile of his own. It was a poignant moment of understanding between two cricketing legends.
In a subsequent press conference, Virender Sehwag shed light on the heartfelt conversation that took place between him and Sachin after that unforgettable semifinal. Sehwag revealed, “Sachin told me, ‘I know why you are smiling.’ I asked him, ‘Why?’ He replied, ‘You are thinking that I got out before making a century. If I scored the ton, we would have lost.’ I said to him, ‘How can you read what’s in my heart? You made two centuries, one we lost, and the second got tied.’ Thank God he didn’t make a hundred, and we were able to win the World Cup.”
The 2011 World Cup, hosted by India, holds a special place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans. It was a moment of glory, a triumph that united a cricket-crazy nation. With the 2023 World Cup once again taking place in India, fans are hoping for a repeat of that historic victory.
In the current scenario, the “Men in Blue” have begun their campaign with a hard-fought victory against Australia in Chennai. This early win has set the tone for the tournament, and the team is eager to extend their winning streak against Afghanistan before the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
The Indian squad, led by Rohit Sharma, boasts a mix of experienced players and young talents. The likes of Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah add depth and strength to the team’s lineup. With Rohit’s calm captaincy and Kohli’s unmatched skill, the team looks well-prepared to take on the world’s best in their quest for World Cup glory.
As the tournament unfolds, the hopes of millions of fans will be riding on the “Men in Blue” as they strive to create new memories and possibly another chapter in India’s cricketing history.
