2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya

The 2003 Cricket World Cup was co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, marking a notable expansion in the tournament's format. The number of participating teams increased from twelve to fourteen, reflecting the growing popularity of cricket in various regions. This edition of the World Cup was particularly significant for Kenya, which achieved remarkable success by defeating established teams such as Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Additionally, New Zealand's withdrawal from a match in Kenya due to security concerns allowed Kenya to advance to the semi-finals, representing the best performance by an associate nation in World Cup history. This achievement highlighted the potential of cricket in non-traditional cricketing nations and brought attention to the sport's development in these regions. In the final match, Australia set a record by scoring 359 runs for the loss of two wickets, which remains the highest total ever recorded in a World Cup final. India, in response, was unable to match this score and lost the match by 125 runs. Australia's victory underscored their dominance in the sport during this period, as they secured their third World Cup title. The tournament not only showcased competitive cricket but also emphasized the importance of hosting events in diverse locations, contributing to the global growth of the sport. The 2003 World Cup is remembered for its competitive matches, the rise of Kenya as a cricketing force, and the record-setting performances that defined the tournament.