On This Day in 2003: Sachin amassed 673 runs in the 2003 Cricket World Cup

In the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, held in South Africa, India’s Sachin Tendulkar delivered an extraordinary batting performance that remains etched in cricket history. Accumulating a record-breaking 673 runs over 11 matches, Tendulkar set the benchmark for the most runs scored by a player in a single World Cup tournament at that time.

Tendulkar’s campaign began with a solid 52 against the Netherlands, followed by 36 runs in a challenging match against Australia. He then showcased his dominance with a commanding 81 against Zimbabwe and a monumental 152 against Namibia. His consistency continued with scores of 50 against England and a pivotal 98 against arch-rivals Pakistan, where his aggressive batting was instrumental in India’s successful chase.

Further contributions included 5 against Kenya, 97 against Sri Lanka, 15 in the Super Six rematch against Kenya, and 83 in the semi-final against Kenya. Despite a valiant effort, he concluded the tournament with 4 runs in the final against Australia. ​

Throughout the tournament, Tendulkar maintained an impressive average of 61.18 and a strike rate of 89.25, including one century and six half-centuries. His remarkable performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award, underscoring his pivotal role in India’s journey to the finals. ​

Tendulkar’s 2003 World Cup exploits not only solidified his status as one of the game’s greats but also inspired a generation of cricketers and fans alike. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level during the tournament remains a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.