ICC CWC 2003: Australia Beat India by 125 Runs — Ponting 140*, McGrath 26 Wickets POTT
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2003 was the eighth edition, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya in February–March 2003. Australia won the tournament for the third time, defeating India by 125 runs in the final at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 23 March 2003. Australia scored 359 for 2 (Ricky Ponting 140 not out, Adam Gilchrist 57, Damien Martyn 88 not out). India were bowled out for 234 (Zaheer Khan conceded 15 wides in the first over). Ricky Ponting was named Player of the Match. Glenn McGrath was named Player of the Tournament with 26 wickets — a World Cup record at the time. Australia captain: Ricky Ponting. India captain: Sourav Ganguly.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 was the eighth edition, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Australia, the defending champions, were overwhelming favourites under Ricky Ponting. India, under Sourav Ganguly, had beaten Australia in the group stage — the last time Australia would lose a World Cup match until 2011. In the final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 23 March 2003, Australia batted first.
359 for 2 and McGrath's 26-Wicket POTT
Australia posted 359 for 2 — then the highest total ever scored in a World Cup final. Adam Gilchrist made 57, Damien Martyn contributed 88 not out, and Ricky Ponting scored a devastating 140 not out from 121 balls. India's chase began poorly: Zaheer Khan conceded 15 wides in his opening over. India were bowled out for 234, losing by 125 runs. Ponting was named Player of the Match. Glenn McGrath took 26 wickets across the tournament — a World Cup record at the time — to claim Player of the Tournament. It was Australia's third World Cup title.
Frequently asked questions
What score did Ricky Ponting make in the 2003 World Cup final and what was Australia's total?
Ricky Ponting scored 140 not out from 121 balls in the 2003 World Cup final against India at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on 23 March 2003. Australia scored 359 for 2 — the highest World Cup final total at that time. Adam Gilchrist made 57 and Damien Martyn contributed 88 not out. India were bowled out for 234, losing by 125 runs. Glenn McGrath took 26 wickets across the tournament — a World Cup record — and was named Player of the Tournament. It was Australia's third ODI World Cup title.