Introduction
The 2014 Cricket World Cup Final was a spectacle that brought together two of the most formidable teams in international cricket 2014 World Cup Final Cricket. This high-stakes match not only crowned the champion of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament but also showcased the passion, talent, and resilience that make cricket a global phenomenon.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take a closer look at the buildup to the final, the teams involved, match highlights, critical player performances, and the broader impact of the 2014 World Cup Final Cricket event.
Background: The ICC T20 World Cup 2014
The ICC World Twenty20 2014 was the fifth edition of the T20 World Cup, held in Bangladesh from March 16 to April 6, 2014. Teams from across the globe competed in this thrilling tournament, culminating in an unforgettable final.
Tournament Format
The tournament featured 16 teams, divided into two stages:
- First Round: Associate nations competed for a spot in the Super 10 stage.
- Super 10 Stage: Ten teams (eight direct qualifiers + two from the first round) were split into two groups.
Key Teams in the Final
- India: A powerhouse in cricket, led by the charismatic Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
- Sri Lanka: A team known for its resilience and guided by the experienced Angelo Mathews.
Road to the Final
India’s Journey
India dominated the Super 10 stage, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Exceptional performances by Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and MS Dhoni’s captaincy were pivotal to their success.
| Match | Opponent | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 10 Match 1 | Pakistan | Won | Kohli’s 50 (off 36 balls) |
| Super 10 Match 2 | West Indies | Won | Rohit Sharma’s 62 |
| Super 10 Match 3 | Bangladesh | Won | Dhoni’s tactical brilliance |
| Super 10 Match 4 | Australia | Won | Ashwin’s 4/11 |
Sri Lanka’s Journey
Sri Lanka’s campaign was marked by exceptional teamwork and standout performances from veterans like Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga.
| Match | Opponent | Result | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super 10 Match 1 | South Africa | Won | Jayawardene’s 80* |
| Super 10 Match 2 | New Zealand | Won | Herath’s 5/3 |
| Super 10 Match 3 | England | Won | Sangakkara’s 54 |
| Super 10 Match 4 | Netherlands | Won | Malinga’s 3/12 |
The Final Showdown: India vs. Sri Lanka
Pre-Match Analysis
The final was held at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, on April 6, 2014. Sri Lanka had lost four ICC finals since 2007, creating immense pressure to break their losing streak. India, on the other hand, aimed to reclaim their T20 World Cup title after their maiden win in 2007.
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, leveraging the dew factor in the second innings.
Match Highlights
India’s Innings
India batted first, struggling against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Virat Kohli, the tournament’s top scorer, played a lone hand with a brilliant 77 off 58 balls. However, India managed only 130/4 in 20 overs, a subpar score for a T20 final.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 77 | 58 | 132.76 |
| MS Dhoni (c) | 4 | 7 | 57.14 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 11 | 21 | 52.38 |
Sri Lanka’s Chase 2014 World Cup Final Cricket
Sri Lanka’s chase was clinical, anchored by a masterful innings from Kumar Sangakkara (52* off 35 balls). The team chased down the target in 17.5 overs, clinching their maiden ICC T20 World Cup title.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumar Sangakkara | 52* | 35 | 148.57 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 24 | 24 | 100.00 |
| Thisara Perera | 21* | 14 | 150.00 |
Key Performances 2014 World Cup Final Cricket
Kumar Sangakkara: Man of the Match
Sangakkara’s unbeaten 52 in his final T20 international was a fitting farewell to his T20 career.
Lasith Malinga: The Silent Strategist
Sri Lanka’s captain, Lasith Malinga, demonstrated astute leadership and bowled economically, ensuring India’s batting lineup never gained momentum.
Virat Kohli: Tournament Star
Despite India’s loss, Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his 319 runs across six matches.
Post-Match Reactions 2014 World Cup Final Cricket
The victory ended Sri Lanka’s streak of heartbreaks in ICC finals, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history. Celebrations erupted across Sri Lanka, as this triumph was seen as a testament to perseverance and teamwork.
Legacy of the 2014 World Cup Final
The 2014 World Cup Final Cricket match remains a memorable chapter in cricket history, celebrated for its sportsmanship and drama.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Winning Team | Sri Lanka |
| Man of the Match | Kumar Sangakkara |
| Player of the Tournament | Virat Kohli |
| Venue | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka |
Conclusion: 2014 World Cup Final Cricket
The 2014 Cricket World Cup Final was more than just a match; it was a clash of titans that highlighted the spirit of cricket. For Sri Lanka, it was a story of redemption; for India, a lesson in resilience. As cricket fans, we cherish such moments that remind us why we love this game.
Let us know your thoughts about this iconic final in the comments below!
