'What if?' Indian fans share the moment which could have turned the game for India in the 2003 World Cup final vs Australia

In the 38th over of the 2003 World Cup Final, Ricky Ponting survived an appeal by Dinesh Mongia which looked out, but umpire Steve Buckner decided against it. He went on to score 140 off 101 balls.

After surviving an LBW appeal by Dinesh Mangia on 46, Ricky Ponting went on to score an unbeaten 141 off 121 balls in that final.

March 23rd is a date that is etched in the memory of every Indian cricket team fan, not for the glory but for the 'what-if' that still stings two decades later. On March 23rd, 2003, India hoped for their second ICC ODI World Cup title, but it was Australia who thrashed India by 125 runs. There was a moment where things could have gone either way. As fans reflect on that heartbreaking day, we give you that moment that could have given India their second ICC ODI World Cup title then.

The moment: Ricky Ponting batting on 46*

Yes, Australia were cruising after winning the toss as Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden gave them a perfect start.

But at 223 for 2 in the 38th over, the momentum could have turned in India's way.

Dinesh Mongia, bowling left-arm spin, bowled a quick, straighter one, and Ponting went for a sweep. Ponting missed it completely, and the ball stuck right in front of the stumps.

The entire Indian team went up in appeal as it looked plumb as it could get. But umpire Steve Buckner, who was known for his slow nod, gave it a slow shake that took the game away from India.

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Even the legendary Richie Benaud could not believe it on air during his commentary and famously said that only a fine age could have saved the Australian captain.

Replays later suggested that the ball was crashing into the middle and leg, and there was no height issue, and no edge for Ponting to survive.

The aftermath: From 46 to 140*

As we all know about the great players and especially the Australian cricketers, you must get them out early, or they will make you pay. Australian captain Ricky Ponting did exactly that.

After the LBW shout, where he did not just survive, he got a second life.

Ponting went on to reach his 50 off 74 deliveries, but scored his final 90 runs in just 47 deliveries as he ended the innings with 140 runs in 121 balls, including 10 sixes.

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That one missed decision cost India hugely, and if Steve Buckner had given Ponting out, India could have restricted the Australians under 300, and the scenes could have been different.

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