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After a gap of 20 years, India and Australia are set to clash again in the final of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, scheduled for November 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This high-profile match marks a repeat of the 2003 World Cup final, where a crucial mistake cost India the championship.
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In the 2003 World Cup final held on March 23 in Johannesburg, Australia, batting first, amassed a towering total of 359 runs for the loss of just two wickets. Chasing a daunting target of 360, the Indian team succumbed to pressure and was bundled out for 234 runs in 39.2 overs, losing the final by 125 runs. Ricky Ponting, who was the Player of the Match, played a pivotal knock of an unbeaten 140 runs from 121 deliveries. From India’s side, Virender Sehwag was the top scorer with 82 runs.
India's journey to the 2003 final was impressive, but a critical error at the toss proved costly. When Indian captain Sourav Ganguly won the toss, he surprisingly chose to field first on a batting-friendly pitch, making Australia's task easier. Ponting even remarked that he would have chosen to bat first anyway. This decision ultimately played a significant role in India's defeat.
Historically, before 2003, only two teams had won the World Cup final chasing a target - in 1992 and 1996. India’s decision to bowl first in 2003 was against the prevailing trend and allowed Australia to capitalize fully. Australia’s aggressive batting was complemented by India conceding 37 extra runs, which added to the pressure.
The upcoming final in Ahmedabad presents a chance for redemption for India. Both teams are packed with star players and are likely to bring their best to the grand stage. The match is expected to feature exciting individual duels, strategic gameplay, and high-quality cricket, befitting the stature of a World Cup final.
As fans from around the world tune in, this match promises not just a contest between two cricketing powerhouses, but also an opportunity for India to rewrite the narrative and possibly clinch the World Cup title on home soil. The anticipation for this rematch is immense, given the history and the stakes involved.
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