2003 Cricket World Cup: Australia's Unbeaten Dominance
Australia went through the 2003 World Cup unbeaten, with Ricky Ponting scoring 140* in the final against India. Their campaign is the most dominant in World Cup history. Discover Zimbabwe's protest, Kenya's semi-final, and Sachin's tournament.
The 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup held in South Africa was dominated by Australia to an extent never seen before or since in a major cricket tournament. Australia played 11 matches and won all 11 — including a final against India in Johannesburg in which Ricky Ponting scored 140* off 121 balls in one of the World Cup final's greatest innings.
Australia's Campaign
Adam Gilchrist blitzed opponents at the top of the order; Ponting, Mark Waugh, Darren Lehmann, and Andrew Symonds provided middle-order power. Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were almost unplayable with the new ball; Shane Warne was injured but Noffke, Harvey, and Hogg gave support. Australia won every match by comfortable margins.
The Final
India had beaten Pakistan, Zimbabwe, England, Sri Lanka, and Kenya to reach the final. In Johannesburg, Australia batted first and Ponting — Australia's captain standing in for an injured Steve Waugh — played one of the greatest World Cup final innings ever, hitting 140* and leading Australia to 359/2. India were bowled out for 234 with Gilchrist adding 57 behind the wicket. Australia won by 125 runs.
Sachin Tendulkar's Tournament
Sachin Tendulkar won the Player of the Tournament award despite India losing the final, scoring 673 runs — the most in the tournament — at an average of 61.18. His century against Pakistan and the double blow of losing to Kenya (forfeiting) and then Australia in the final defined India's campaign.
Frequently asked questions
Did Australia lose any match in the 2003 World Cup?
No — Australia went through the entire tournament unbeaten, winning all 11 matches including the final against India.
Who won Player of the Tournament in 2003?
Sachin Tendulkar — he scored 673 runs at 61.18 average, the highest run-scorer despite India losing the final.