The 2003 World Cup not only about Australia's triumph over adversity, but also about protests, boycotts, a drug-ban and some big player's farewells.
Australia suffered a blow even before the show had begun when leg-spinner Shan Warne was ruled out of the tournament after failing a drugs test.
England boycotted their match in Zimbabwe and New Zealand refused to play in Kenya on safety and political grounds.
The tournament was jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya and had a record 14 teams, divided into two groups of seven eac. Three top sides from each group advanced to the Super Six, but the boycotts and a few rain-marred games meant a couple of big teams were eliminated before the semi-finals.
The washots virtually eliminated Pakistan vs Zimbabwe and the West Indies vs Bangladesh, while Shaun Pollock's South Africans bowed out afrer a miscalculation during their rain-hit match againest Sri Lanka.
The west Indies began impressively when they beat South Africa, courtesy of Brian Lara's masterful century.
Kenya made a surprise semi-final appearance but did not have the resources to stretch India who qualified for the final.
Sourav Ganguly's India who qualified for the final.
Australia marched on relentlessly despite losing Warne and then in-form paceman paceman Jason Gillespie to an injury after early matches.
Ponting (140 not out) hijacked the final with a gem of a knock. He received valuable support from Damien Martyn (88 not out) to virtually put the match beyond India's reach as his team set a stiff 360-run target.
Fast bowler Glenn McGrath rocked India with the prize wicket of Tendulkar (four) in his opening spell. India seemed to be chasing a mirage thereafrer despite Virender Sehwag's 82 and were bowled out for 234.
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