ICC Cricket World Cup 2003: Australia Beat India in Johannesburg — Ponting 140*, Tendulkar POTT
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2003 was the eighth edition, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Australia won their third successive ODI World Cup title, defeating India by 125 runs in the final at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on 23 March 2003. Australia scored 359 for 2 (Ricky Ponting 140 not out — the highest individual score in a World Cup final at that time; Adam Gilchrist 57). India were bowled out for 234. Sachin Tendulkar was named Player of the Tournament (673 runs at 61.18 including a century against Pakistan). Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath were Australia's principal wicket-takers. Zimbabwe were also co-hosts. Kenya reached the semi-finals — one of cricket's greatest upsets. England and New Zealand forfeited group matches in Zimbabwe due to security concerns.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2003 was the eighth edition, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya in February-March 2003. It featured 14 teams and generated widespread media attention for Kenya's remarkable run to the semi-finals (beating Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, qualifying via the Super Six). Australia came in as defending champions (having won in 1999) and were again the overwhelming favourites. India, led by Sourav Ganguly with Sachin Tendulkar as the batting cornerstone, were the other main contender.
The Final: Ponting's 140 and Australia's Dominance
In the final at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on 23 March 2003, Australia batted first and scored 359 for 2 — a record total in a World Cup final. Ricky Ponting scored 140 not out from 121 balls (8 sixes, 4 fours) — the highest individual score in a World Cup final at that time. Adam Gilchrist scored 57. India were bowled out for 234. Brett Lee took 2 for 31; Glenn McGrath took 2 for 52. Australia won by 125 runs. Sachin Tendulkar was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 673 runs at 61.18 across 11 innings — including a memorable century against Pakistan at Centurion. It was Australia's third successive World Cup title (1999, 2003).
Frequently asked questions
Who won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 and who was Player of the Tournament?
Australia won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, defeating India by 125 runs in the final at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on 23 March 2003. Ricky Ponting scored 140 not out in Australia's 359 for 2. India were bowled out for 234. Sachin Tendulkar was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 673 runs at 61.18 with 11 innings — including a century against Pakistan. It was Australia's third successive ODI World Cup title.