OTD| Australia beat India to get their hands on their second consecutive World Cup Trophy in 2003

In this article, we will discuss the On This Day | Australia beat India to get their hands on their second consecutive World Cup Trophy in 2003 by Ricky Ponting. The Kangaroos under the leadership of indomitable Ricky Ponting defended their World Cup title successfully against India on this day in 2003. It was an incredible campaign for Australia as they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and lifted the trophy as Invincibles. In the final, the Aussies faced an Indian team that was a dangerous side to play against. 

Punter punishes the Indians

The Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly won the toss and opted to invite the Australians to bat first. It was a solid track to bat on and the Australian openers exploited that to perfection. The destructive left-handed duo of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist did not let the Indian bowlers settle in the high-octane final. Right from the first over the pressure was evident on the Indian side that was playing a World Cup final after 20 years. 

The openers added 105 runs for the first wicket in just 13.5 overs. Gilchrist scored 57 off 48 deliveries before getting dismissed. It was an express start and the Australian captain built upon that to put more pressure on the opposition. Ponting delivered the most dominating batting performance of that World Cup. His partnership with Damien Martyn got Australia to a humongous total of 359/2 at the end of the first innings. With 140 runs off just 121 deliveries, Ricky Ponting was the star performer for Australia. 

India crumble under pressure

Australia had already taken a massive edge in the ultimate showdown. India needed to pull off a miracle in order to lift the title. Such a target had never been chased in a World Cup final. The Australian bowlers were determined to keep that record intact. Glenn McGrath gave the biggest setback to the chasing side by dismissing their talisman, Sachin Tendulkar, in the very first over. It was a disastrous start for India. 

The Indian skipper Ganguly and Virender Sehwag showed some intent but just before the culmination of powerplay Brett Lee got rid of Ganguly. In the next over Mohammad Kaif was shown the way back. India were tottering in the run chase with 59/3 on the scoreboard. Virender Sehwag tried to counterattack in his customary style and brought some hope back to the Indian camp. But an unfortunate run-out crushed India’s dreams of becoming world champions. Things went downhill after Sehwag’s run out and eventually ended with India getting all out for 234 runs. Australia became world champions once again and in some fashion. Glenn McGrath took 3 wickets and led the Australian team to glory. The Kangaroos won their third World Cup trophy with a dominant 125-run victory.