World Cup History: Three players who scored a century in their last World Cup match 

Scoring a century for your country is always a special experience. The innings becomes even more special when you score it in a World Cup match. There are players who signed off their World Cup career on a high by scoring a three-figure score in their last match on cricket's biggest stage.

Some players announce their decision to retire before the start of the tournament so they know that it is going to be their last match. On the other hand, some suffer sudden elimination from the tournament and never get a chance to play in it again.

Some batsmen have left their mark on the tournament by playing a brilliant knock in their last match of the World Cup career. So let us look at the three batsmen who scored a century in their last match in cricket's biggest event.

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#3 Ricky Ponting: Quarter-final, 2011

Australia v India - 2011 ICC World Cup Quarter-Final

When India was drawn versus Australia in the quarterfinal of 2011 World Cup, memories of the 2003 World Cup was still fresh in the minds of fans. In the final of 2003 World Cup, Australian captain Ricky Ponting had played an unbeaten knock of 148 to win the match for his country.

The right-handed batsman rose to the occasion once again, as he scored yet another century. On a pitch that was on a slower side, the Australian star scored 104 runs off 118 balls. His innings helped the defending champions post a score of 260 on the board, which was challenging, considering the conditions.

Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh scored half-centuries to help their team take revenge for defeat in the 2003 World Cup final. Australia failed in their quest to make it four World Cups in a row, and Ponting never played a World Cup match again.

Also see – India vs Sri Lanka head to head stats

#2 Adam Gilchrist: Final, 2007

Adam Gilchrist

When Australia took on Sri Lanka in the final of the 2007 World Cup, they had a chance to lift the World Cup for the third time in a row. In the finals of 2003 and 2007 World Cup, Adam Gilchrist had given a fantastic start to Australia by scoring quickfire half-centuries.

The start of the final in 2007 was delayed due to rain, so the match was reduced to 38 overs per side. The Australian wicket-keeper batsman got his team off to yet another good start, but this time he was not satisfied with a fifty.

Gilchrist compiled a brilliant hundred as he scored 149 runs off just 104 runs. The devastating knock of Gilchrist helped Aussies post a score of 281 in their quota of 38 overs. Australia won the final by 53 runs via D/L method, and Gilchrist deservedly got the Man of the Match award.

#1 Imran Nazir: Group Stage, 2007

Group D, Pakistan v Zimbabwe - Cricket World Cup 2007

The 2007 World Cup was a disastrous World Cup for Pakistan as they were knocked out of the tournament after defeats in the first two matches against West Indies and Ireland. The things turned worse, as Pakistan's coach Bob Woolmer died under mysterious conditions.

Amidst the controversy, the Pakistani team had to play the match against Zimbabwe to fulfill their commitments. Imran Nazir gave his team something to cheer by scoring a brilliant century against the African nation. The opener hit eight sixes and 14 fours as he scored 160 off 121 balls to guide Pakistan to a huge score.

The rain interrupted play to make it a 20 over the game, as Zimbabwe was set a target of 193. While it was a chasable score, they didn't help their cause by losing early wickets. Eventually, Pakistan won the match by 93 runs via D/L method, and Nazir won the Man of the Match award in what will most likely prove to be his last match in World Cup.