2003 World Cup Final

Lore & Background

Australia batted first. Matthew Hayden did not play in the final; he was not selected for the tournament. Shane Warne did not play; he was suspended due to a drug ban. Gilchrist and Hayden opened the batting, making a century partnership, before Ponting and Damien Martin went on to score the highest partnership in any World Cup final with an unbeaten 234. Australia ended on 359/2, the highest score in World Cup final history. Player of the tournament Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed in the first over of India's reply, but Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid combined to score 88 in their fourth wicket partnership. After Dravid's dismissal, India's batting collapsed, and they finished on 234 all out, handing Australia a 125-run victory. Australia won its third World Cup in 2003, surpassing the West Indies' two titles (1975, 1979).

In Their Own Story

The dust of the Wanderers pitch shimmered under the harsh Johannesburg sun as Adam Gilchrist stepped to the crease. He didn't just want a run; he wanted a statement. With every drive through the covers, the roar of the Australian supporters grew louder, drowning out the nervous energy of the Indian camp. It wasn't just a game anymore; it was a coronation.

Reader's Guide

The 2003 final was the third of Australia's three consecutive World Cup wins (1999, 2003, 2007).

Did You Know?

• Australia's 359/2 is the highest score in a World Cup final.
• Ponting and Martin's unbeaten 234-run partnership is the highest in any World Cup final.
• Australia surpassed the West Indies' record of two World Cup titles with this win.