<P> Both teams had progressed through three stages to reach the final . Australia was unbeaten thus far , while India had lost one game -- against Australia in the first stage . Australia -- led by Ricky Ponting -- entered the game as firm favourites . After winning the toss , India captain Sourav Ganguly decided to field first before a crowd of nearly 32,000 . The Australian opening pair , Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden , added 105 runs in 14 overs . After their dismissals , Ponting ( 140 not out ) and Damien Martyn ( 88 not out ) were involved in a partnership of 234 runs , then an Australian record , and took the total to 359 runs at the end of the innings . Harbhajan Singh took both of the Australian wickets , conceding 49 runs . </P>
<P> Both teams had progressed through three stages to reach the final . Australia was unbeaten thus far , while India had lost one game -- against Australia in the first stage . Australia -- led by Ricky Ponting -- entered the game as firm favourites . After winning the toss , India captain Sourav Ganguly decided to field first before a crowd of nearly 32,000 . The Australian opening pair , Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden , added 105 runs in 14 overs . After their dismissals , Ponting ( 140 not out ) and Damien Martyn ( 88 not out ) were involved in a partnership of 234 runs , then an Australian record , and took the total to 359 runs at the end of the innings . Harbhajan Singh took both of the Australian wickets , conceding 49 runs . </P>
who won the toss in 2003 world cup final
who won the toss in 2003 world cup final
India captain Sourav Ganguly
India captain Sourav Ganguly