World Cup Throwback: Here's a look at the 5 memorable moments of the 2000s

The Cricket World Cup has given fans a lot of memorable moments to treasure since its inception in 1975. As a cricket fan, even you would have had some glorious World Cup moments from the two World Cups that took place in the last decade. Even though, both the 2003 and 2007 editions were dominated by the mighty Aussies who went on to win those tournaments without tasting a single defeat, there were some moments that you will love to go back in time for. Let's take a look at some of the best World Cup moments from the 2000s.

1. Sachin Tendulkar's memorable knock against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup: 

Image Courtesy: AP

Without a doubt, this has to be the best World Cup knock in the last decade. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan locked horns at the Supersport Park in Centurion. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. They got to a challenging total of 273/7 in their 50 overs, riding on Saeed Anwar's superb century. The chase was never going to be easy as India had to deal with the terrific trio of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. However, Sachin seemed to be a man on a mission as he never let the fast bowlers find their rhythm. The Master Blaster hit Akthar for 18 runs in one over. His epic six off Akthar over the third man is looked at as an iconic shot even today. The Master Blaster fell two runs short of a well-deserved ton, but the then vice-captain Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh took India past the finish line by six wickets.

2. Ashish Nehra's 6-23 against England (2003):

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Ashish Nehra's figures of 6/23 continue to remain the best bowling figures till date by an Indian bowler in World Cup history. After India had set England a target of 251, Nehra applied brakes on England's run chase by picking up the wickets of Michael Vaughan, skipper Nasser Hussain, wicket-keeper batsman Alec Stewart, Paul Collingwood, Craig White and Ronnie Irani as India went on to win the contest by 82 runs.

3. Ricky Ponting's onslaught against India in the 2003 World Cup final:

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The Australian captain's match-winning knock of an unbeaten 140 is also one of the iconic moments in the history of the showpiece event. In a lopsided final, India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Unfortunately, that was the only thing which India managed to get right on that forgettable day as Australia were on the attack right from the word 'Go'. Skipper Ponting was also involved in a 234-run stand with Damien Martyn which propelled Australia to a mammoth 359/2 in their 50 overs. India needed a miracle to overhaul the target and all hopes rested on Sachin Tendulkar. However, India's defeat became inevitable in the very first over of their run chase when Tendulkar was dismissed by Glenn McGrath. Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid tried to delay the inevitable but once they were dismissed, the Aussies ran through India's middle and lower middle order as the 'Men In Blue' were bowled out for 234 and Australia were crowned World Champions for the third time.

4. Lasith Malinga's four wickets in four balls against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup: 

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This Super Eight encounter turned out to be a low-scoring thriller thanks to a fiery spell from Lasith Malinga who was playing his first World Cup. Chasing a small target of 210, South Africa were cruising towards an easy win at 206/5. However, Malinga played spoilsport with the wickets of Shaun Pollock and Andrew Hall in the 45th over. In the 47th over, he took the big wickets of a well-set Jacques Kallis and completed his hat-trick. On his very next delivery, he yorked Makhaya Ntini as the momentum was shifted in Sri Lanka's favour. Nonetheless, South Africa crawled their way to the target with 10 balls to spare. 

5. Bangladesh stun India in the 2007 World Cup:

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India were one of the strong contenders to lift the World Cup in 2007. With most of the players having an experience of playing one World Cup, the Rahul Dravid-led side was expected to go one better than the previous edition. However, they were given a reality check in their very first match against the then minnows Bangladesh. India won the toss and elected to bat first, but they never got going and were bundled out for just 191 before the completion of their 50 overs. Bangladesh then chased it down with five wickets and nine balls to spare. Unfortunately, this defeat was the turning point of India's campaign as they went on to make a first-round exit in a few days' time.

READ: Ahead of World Cup 2019, Here are 5 of the greatest World Cup moments from the 90s