4 reasons why the 2003 ICC World Cup is the best ever cricket tournament

#2 The two best teams making the final

Australia and India met in the 2003 World Cup final

The 2003 World Cup saw many big teams knocked out from the group stage like England, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies. But still, there was no dearth of entertainment. Australia, who dominated the tournament, reached the final without losing a single game.

India, having lost only against Australia, reached the final as the second-best team. Sourav Ganguly won the toss and elected to bowl first in the final. It turned out to be a decision which he would go on to regret for the coming years.

The Australian openers gave them a solid start as they crossed the 100-run mark within 14 overs. Damien Martyn joined Ricky Ponting and the duo smashed the Indian bowlers all around the park. The Australian captain smashed 140 runs off just 121 balls with 8 huge sixes.

Chasing a humongous target of 360 runs to lift the trophy, Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar walked out to bat. To add insult to injury, the latter got out to Glenn McGrath in the first over of the chase.

India kept on losing wickets regularly but Sehwag kept on going from the other end. In the end, it was not enough as the Men in Blue were bowled out for 234 runs inside 40 overs. Australia lifted their second consecutive World Cup.