6 most destructive hundreds in World Cup history

5. Ricky Ponting 140 (121) vs India, 2003 Cricket World Cup Final

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting had been at the heart of Australia's dominating reign stretching from the late 1990s to early 2000s. He has also been the best batsman for Australia, racking up more than 13000 runs in both limited overs and the longer format.

Ponting was in the form of his life during the 2003 World Cup when he decimated India's bowling attack. India had gone head to head against Australia in the group match and got blown away.

India and Australia, this time went one on one in the final with India hoping for a turnaround. Australia had got the perfect start with Adam Gilchrist scoring a fifty and Matthew Hayden scoring 37. At almost the halfway mark, Australia were on course for a huge total with the openers back in the pavilion.

Ricky Ponting had initially started off slowly, however, accelerated in a manner from where there was no looking back. Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan collectively went for a behemoth 174 runs in 17 overs. Ponting had collected 18 runs off the last over of Srinath's bowling to give India a target of 359. Ricky Ponting, along with Damien Martyn put on an unbeaten partnership of 234.

Sachin Tendulkar, who was in sublime form throughout the tournament was bounced out by Glenn McGrath in the first over. In spite of this, India were marginally at par with the required run rate. After Virender Sehwag's run out, India's chances were all but faded away. India were eventually bowled out for 234 in under 40 overs to give Australia their second consecutive World Cup. Australia had become the second team after West Indies to win two World Cups consecutively.