SK Flashback : World Cup 2003 Final - A thorn in the heart of Indian cricket fans

A partnership which took the game away from the Indians

Damien Martyn & Ricky Ponting took the game away from the Indians

Within no time, the Australians had cruised to 100 runs within the first 15 overs courtesy mainly to Glichrist’searly onslaught. Harbhajan Singh, who with an economy rate of 3.92 had been India’s most economical bowler in the tournament tried to bring India back in the game with two quick wickets.

He got rid of both the openers and had the Australian score in a reasonable check at 125-2 in the 20th over. That was, however, the beginning of the end in terms of joy for India in the field. For the next 30 overs, Harbhajan and the other Indian bowlers went wicketless.

Australia scored 234 runs in these overs and took their total to 359-2 at the end of 50 overs. Ponting scored 140 runs off just 121 deliveries and Damien Martyn scored 88 runs from 84 balls.

Indians used as many as eight bowlers but were unable to contain the carnage.