Ponting's birthday: 5 best innings played by Ricky Ponting

#2 140 vs India at Johannesburg, World Cup Final, 2003

Team India under Sourav Ganguly had a dream run during the 2003 World Cup and they went into the final with hope that they could pose a serious challenge to the mighty Aussies. But all their hopes were dashed as the Australian captain almost single-handedly batted India out of the contest in the final.

Capitalising on a fast start provided by the openers, Ponting came in at the fall of the first wicket and started attacking the Indian bowlers from the word go. He cut, pulled, swept and kept clearing the boundary with ridiculous ease, as the Indians were clueless about what had hit them.

He finished unbeaten on 140 off 121 balls in an innings comprising 4 fours and 8 sixes as Australia posted a mammoth 359 for 2 off their 50 overs. India put in a valiant effort but did not even come close while chasing.