1975 World Cup Final: Australia vs. West Indies (Lord's Cricket Ground, London)
In the inaugural World Cup final, Australia faced the West Indies at Lord's. The West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd, showcased their dominance by scoring 291 runs for 8 wickets. In response, Australia could only manage 274 runs, handing the West Indies a 17-run victory. This historic match set the tone for future encounters between these cricketing powerhouses.
1979 World Cup Final: England vs. West Indies (Lord's Cricket Ground, London)
The West Indies continued their World Cup reign in the 1979 final against England at Lord's. Batting first, the West Indies posted a formidable total of 286 runs for 9 wickets. England faltered in their chase, and the West Indies emerged victorious by 92 runs, becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups.
1983 World Cup Final: India vs. West Indies (Lord's Cricket Ground, London)
In a match that would go down as one of cricket's greatest upsets, India faced the West Indies in the 1983 final at Lord's. Batting first, India scored 183 runs, a modest total. However, their bowlers rose to the occasion, restricting the West Indies to 140 runs and securing a 43-run victory. This triumph marked a turning point for Indian cricket and ignited a new era of success.
1987 World Cup Final: Australia vs. England (Eden Gardens, Kolkata)
The 1987 final witnessed a battle between traditional rivals Australia and England at Eden Gardens. Australia set a challenging target of 254 runs. England fought valiantly but fell short by just seven runs, handing Australia their first-ever World Cup title. This match showcased the resilience and competitive spirit of both teams.
1992 World Cup Final: Pakistan vs. England (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)
Pakistan and England clashed in the 1992 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan's innings was anchored by an exceptional century from their captain, Imran Khan, who guided his team to a total of 249 runs. In a rain-affected match, England's target was revised to 187 runs in 36 overs. Despite a valiant effort, England fell short by 22 runs, crowning Pakistan as the champions.
1996 World Cup Final: Sri Lanka vs. Australia (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Sri Lanka and Australia faced off in the 1996 final at the Gaddafi Stadium. Sri Lanka's opening batsmen, Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana, unleashed a blistering assault, propelling their team to a mammoth total of 245 runs. Australia struggled to keep up with the required run rate and finished at 241 runs, handing Sri Lanka their first World Cup title through a 22-run victory.
1999 World Cup Final: Australia vs. Pakistan (Lord's Cricket Ground, London)
The 1999 final saw Australia and Pakistan battling it out at Lord's. Australia's captain, Steve Waugh, led from the front with a century, guiding his team to a total of 133 runs. Pakistan, chasing the target, faltered and were bowled out for 132 runs, giving Australia a comfortable 8-wicket victory and their second World Cup triumph.
2003 World Cup Final: Australia vs. India (Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg)
In a high-scoring final at the Wanderers Stadium, Australia faced India in the 2003 World Cup. Australia set an imposing target of 360 runs, powered by Ricky Ponting's magnificent century. India fought valiantly but fell short, scoring 234 runs. Australia secured a comprehensive 125-run victory, claiming their third World Cup title.
2007 World Cup Final: Australia vs. Sri Lanka (Kensington Oval, Barbados)
Australia and Sri Lanka clashed in the 2007 final at Kensington Oval. Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 274 runs, with a superb century from Mahela Jayawardene. Rain interrupted play, and the match was reduced to 38 overs. In a revised target of 269 runs, Australia overcame the challenge, winning by 53 runs through the Duckworth-Lewis method and clinching their fourth World Cup.
2011 World Cup Final: India vs. Sri Lanka (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai)
The 2011 final between India and Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium was a thrilling contest. Sri Lanka set a competitive target of 275 runs, powered by Mahela Jayawardene's sublime century. India's chase was anchored by Gautam Gambhir and then crowned by the iconic innings from MS Dhoni, who hit the winning runs with a six, securing India's second World Cup title.
2015 World Cup Final: Australia vs. New Zealand (Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne)
Australia and New Zealand met in the 2015 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Batting first, Australia amassed a daunting total of 346 runs. New Zealand's chase faltered, and they were bowled out for 183 runs, giving Australia a commanding 7-wicket victory and their fifth World Cup title.
2019 World Cup Final: England vs. New Zealand (Lord's Cricket Ground, London)
The 2019 final between England and New Zealand produced one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history. Batting first, New Zealand scored 241 runs. In a thrilling chase, England tied the match at 241 runs, leading to a Super Over. The Super Over also ended in a tie, but England emerged as the winners based on a higher boundary count, securing their maiden World Cup title.
The ICC ODI Cricket World Cup has provided fans with a plethora of unforgettable matches, where teams have displayed exceptional skills, courage, and determination. From the historic victories of the West Indies to the dominance of Australia and the triumphs of nations like India and England, each World Cup final has added to the tournament's legacy. These matches have become an integral part of cricketing folklore, showcasing the sheer excitement and passion that the World Cup evokes.