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The Cricket World Cup has seen many memorable moments, especially in the final matches where players often deliver their best performances. One of the most remarkable achievements is the record for the most runs scored in a final match. This record highlights the incredible skill and determination of the players involved.
Record for Most Runs in a Final Match
The record for the most runs scored in a Cricket World Cup final is held by Ricky Ponting of Australia. He scored an impressive 140 runs off 121 balls during the 2003 final against India. His performance was instrumental in Australia’s victory and remains a standout moment in World Cup history.
Details of the 2003 Final
The 2003 final was played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Australia batted first and set a target of 359 runs for India. Ricky Ponting’s aggressive batting helped Australia post a formidable total. His 140 runs included 8 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his dominance at the crease.
In reply, India fought hard but fell short, with their highest scorer being Sachin Tendulkar with 4 runs. Australia’s bowlers and fielding also played a key role in securing their third World Cup title.
Other Notable Performances
- Adam Gilchrist (2007): scored 149 runs against Sri Lanka, the highest in a final until 2011.
- MS Dhoni (2011): scored 91* runs, including the winning six, leading India to victory.
- Martin Guptill (2015): scored 107 runs for New Zealand, but his team narrowly lost to Australia.
While these performances are remarkable, Ricky Ponting’s 140 remains the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup final as of 2023. Such feats are celebrated as some of the greatest moments in cricket history.