India vs Australia: What happened when India played Australia in World Cup 2003 Final?

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An entire nation and more than a billion hearts will be praying for eleven Indian gladiators as they take on Australia in the Final of the 2023 World Cup on Sunday (November 19).

The grand finale of this World Cup is set to enthral the fans, and the Indian team will have vengeance in mind, as they look for the 2003 redemption. If one asks the cricket fans of this country about their worst heartbreak, most of them will say the 2003 World Cup final, which India lost against the mighty Australia in Johannesburg.

But what happened when these two sides met in the World Cup 2003 final?

India vs Australia World Cup 2003 Final

The Indian team was in an outstanding run before the final as Sourav Ganguly's young gladiators were in excellent form. Australia, on the other end, was a formidable force with their golden generation in full throttle. So it was a final which promised a lot for the Indian team, but they were clear underdogs going into the ultimate clash.

India captain Sourav Ganguly won the Toss and decided to bowl first. But things didn't go as planned for the Indian team from the very first ball and a young Zaheer Khan conceded 15 runs in the first over.

Gilchrist scored 57 runs and Hayden 37 during their opening-wicket partnership of 105 runs. Gilchrist was eventually removed from the game. Harbhajan Singh claimed both wickets in quick succession, but the Indian squad was not overjoyed. Ponting scored an unbeaten 140 off just 121 balls, while Damien Martyn scored 88 runs. With his innings and an undefeated 234-run partnership with Damien Martyn, Australia amassed a staggering 359 runs in the match.

India had a nightmare start as Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for just 4 runs. India captain Sourav Ganguly was also dismissed cheaply for just 24 runs. Virender Sehwag held the fort with a fantastic knock but unfortunately, he was run out on 82 in the 24th over, bringing a tragic end to his inning. Rahul Dravid (47), Yuvraj Singh (24) had starts but they failed to convert them into something significant. The remainder of the batsmen eventually came back without posing a serious threat and India was bundled out for just 234 runs.

Australia beat India by 125 runs and thus lifted the World Cup for the third time in their history.

IND vs AUS World Cup 2003 Final Match Summary

Australia: 359 for 2 in 50 overs (Ricky Ponting 140*, Damien Martyn 88*; Harbhajan Singh 2/49). India: 234 all out in 39.2 overs (Virender Sehwag 82, Rahul Dravid 47; Glenn McGrath 3/52)

Result: Australia won by 125 runs

Captains: Sourav Ganguly (IND), Ricky Ponting (AUS)

IND vs AUS World Cup 2003 Final: Who scored most Runs?

Australia captain Ricky Ponting scored 140 runs off just 121 balls. He hit 4 fours and 8 sixes in his magical inning.

IND vs AUS World Cup 2023 Final: Who picked up most wickets?

Australia pacer Glenn McGrath picked up three wickets in the match. His victims were Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed Kaif and Zaheer Khan.

IND vs AUS World Cup 2023 Final: Who was the Player of the Match?

Australia captain Ricky Ponting was awarded Player of the Match in the Final.

IND vs AUS WC 2003: Player of the Tournament

India batter Sachin Tendulkar was awarded Player of the Tournament for scoring 673 runs.