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ODI World Cup, the pinnacle event of One-Day International (ODI) cricket, has witnessed several glorious moments throughout its rich history. As the ODI World Cup 2023 approaches, fans around the globe eagerly await the latest World Cup live scores, eagerly tracking the fortunes of their favourite teams. The thrill of witnessing the host nation rise to the occasion and capture the prestigious trophy adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
On three occasions, the host nation has captured the coveted trophy, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement and jubilation. Let's look at the only three host nations that have gone on to win the coveted prize while hosting the ODI World Cup.
Sri Lanka - 1996
The year 1996 marked a turning point for Sri Lankan cricket as the island nation hosted the sixth edition of the ODI World Cup. With home advantage, the Sri Lankan team, led by the dynamic Aravinda de Silva, displayed an exceptional brand of cricket that overwhelmed their opponents.
Combining explosive batting, spearheaded by the destructive Sanath Jayasuriya, and astute spin bowling, Sri Lanka stormed through the tournament, ultimately clinching their first-ever World Cup title. This triumph, against all odds, remains a cherished memory in Sri Lankan cricket history.
India - 2011
Cricket News reverberated across India in 2011 when the country hosted the tenth edition of the World Cup. As fervent supporters filled stadiums across the nation, the Indian team, led by the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, embarked on a journey to capture the title on home soil.
With a star-studded lineup that included the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Yuvraj Singh, India delivered memorable performances. The World Cup final, played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, witnessed Dhoni's iconic six, which sealed the victory against Sri Lanka and unleashed an outpouring of joy nationwide.
Australia - 2015
Australia, renowned for their dominance in the cricketing world, extended their supremacy by winning the ODI World Cup for the fifth time in 2015, as co-hosts with New Zealand. The Australian team, captained by the aggressive Michael Clarke, displayed an intimidating brand of cricket throughout the tournament.
The potent pace battery, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, decimated opposition batting lineups, while the formidable batting lineup, featuring the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith, consistently posted imposing totals. The final, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, witnessed Australia's emphatic victory over New Zealand, securing their status as the most successful team in World Cup history.