ICC Cricket World Cup 2003: Ricky Ponting on top of the World

While Australia were unbeaten in the tournament, Ganguly’s men had won eight in a row. They were up against a stronger side, who did no harm to their reputation even in the game when it mattered the most.

The Australian side led by Ricky Ponting were by far the best side of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003. Ponting’s men dominated the entire tournament and found a way to win from the direst of circumstances. Most often their wins were convincing and in the final in Johannesburg, they clashed against a spirited Indian side led by Sourav Ganguly.

While Australia were unbeaten in the tournament, Ganguly’s men had won eight in a row. They were up against a stronger side, who did no harm to their reputation even in the game when it mattered the most.

On this day, 12-years back, Australia won their third World Cup and second successive one. Ganguly’s decision to bowl backfired and India paid a hefty price. Batting first, Australia tormented the Indian bowlers and the leader of the carnage of captain Ponting, who struck an unbeaten 140 from just 121 balls, in a knock that contained eight sixes. Ponting set the New Wanderers Stadium ablaze with some terrific hitting and added 234-runs for the third wicket with Damien Martyn, who scored an unbeaten 88 with a broken finger.

The total of 359 proved to be a lot for the Indian side, who were completely demoralised with the maul. Australia won by 125-runs and Ponting was not surprisingly judged the man-of-the-match. In the above photograph w