History(2003)

This was the eighth Cup event and was held from 9 February to 24 March. 2003 in South Africa,Zimbabwe,Kenya was the first time that the Cricket World Cup had been held in Africa The tournament followed the format introduced in the 1999 Cricket World Cup with the teams divided into 2 groups, and the top three in each group qualifying for the Super Sixes stage. The tournament saw upsets in the first round with South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies and England failing to make it to Super Sixes stage while Zimbabwe and Kenya made it to Super Sixes stage and Kenya, a non-Test playing nation, made the semi-finals of the tournament. It saw the number of participating teams increase to 14, comprising of Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe, along with the ICC Trophy Qualifiers - Canada, Namibia, and the Netherlands. A total of 54 matches were played in the tournament (the most in World Cup history so far). The Match was held in various venues in the three countries. While The Wanderers, Newlands, Kingsmead, St Georges Park, Super Sport Park, Goodyear Park, Buffalo Park, De Beers Diamond Oval, Boland Park, City Oval, Willowmoore Park and North West Cricket Stadium were the stadiums that hosted the tournament in South Africa, Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club were venues to Cricket World Cup 2003 in Zimbabwe. Nairobi Gymkhana Club was the stadium that was a witness to one of the matches in the tournament. The teams were divided into Group A and Group B. Australia, England, Pakistan, India, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Holland belonged to Group A whereas South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, New Zealand, Kenya, Bangladesh and Canada were put in Group B. The Final was played between Australia and India on 23 March in Johannesburg, South Africa. Australia batted first and made 359 runs in 50 overs losing only 2 wickets. In reply India made 234 after being all out in 39.2 overs. Australia were crowned champions after beating India by 125 runs. Scores: Australia 359/2 50 overs (RT Pointing 140) India 232 off 39.2 overs (Sehwag 82). Australia won by 125 Runs and The World Cup 2003 lifted by RT Ponting(who is the member of currect WC Sqad). Summary of 2003 World Cup Tournament formats - Round robin and Knockout Hosts - South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya Champions - Australia (3rd title) Participants - 14 Matches played - 54 Most runs - Sachin Tendulkar (673) Most wickets - Chaminda Vaas (23) Man of the Match - RT Ponting Player the series - Sachin Tendulkar(India)