2003 Cricket World Cup — 2003 One Day International cricket tournament in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Australia won their third Cricket World Cup in 2003, the first held in Africa, across 14 nations and 54 matches.
Key Facts
- Host nations
- South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya
- Tournament dates
- 9 February – 23 March 2003
- Teams participating
- 14
- Total matches played
- 54
- Fastest delivery record
- 161.3 km/h (100.23 mph) by Shoaib Akhtar
- Australia's World Cup wins
- 3 (1987, 1999, 2003)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The ICC awarded co-hosting rights for the eighth Cricket World Cup to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, marking the first time the tournament was staged on the African continent. Fourteen teams qualified, the largest field in World Cup history at the time, following the group-stage format introduced in 1999.
Played from 9 February to 23 March 2003, the tournament featured notable upsets as South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, and England were all eliminated in the group stage. Kenya became the only non-Test-playing nation to reach the semi-finals, aided by New Zealand's forfeit. Shane Warne was sent home after testing positive for a banned substance.
Australia won all 11 of their matches and defeated India in the final at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, securing their third World Cup title and cementing their status as the tournament's dominant side. Shoaib Akhtar's record delivery of 161.3 km/h set a new benchmark for bowling speed in international cricket.
Result
at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa