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Captivating stats and records: A glimpse into the history of ODI World Cup finals

Throughout its existence, the ODI World Cup finals displayed intriguing data and records. From 1975 to 1992, the team who batted first won the first five finals.

By Jayesh | Nov 19, 2023 | 2 Min Read

Throughout its existence, the ODI World Cup finals displayed intriguing data and records. From 1975 to 1992, the team who batted first won the first five finals. Memorable games feature West Indies’ win over Australia by 17 runs in 1975, India’s 43-run triumph over West Indies in 1983, and Australia’s 7-run win over England in 1987. Yet, this pattern changed as teams batting second came out victorious in 1996, 1999, 2011, and 2015. The 2019 final match, a tie between England and New Zealand, saw England win by boundary count.

ODI World Cup finals boasts a history rich with significant individual feats that remain unforgettable in the world of cricket. A few monumental centuries, for instance, Adam Gilchrist’s soaring 149 against Sri Lanka in 2007 and Ricky Ponting‘s sturdy 140* versus India in 2003, are now famed episodes. Special mention must be made of Mahela Jayawardene’s hundred in the 2011 final. This marks a distinct occurrence where the player to score a century ended up on the losing team. Additionally, Aravinda de Silva’s exceptional all-round ability is something to admire. He has the unique distinction of earning a hundred (107*) and scoring three crucial outs in a World Cup final game.

In the realm of bowling, the finals have seen exceptional performances. Joel Garner’s remarkable 5/38 and Gary Gilmour’s impactful 5/48 stand as five-wicket hauls etched in World Cup final history. The finals have also been witness to intriguing records, such as the highest match aggregate of 593 runs in the 2003 final, where Australia’s 359/2 clashed with India’s 234. The 1979 final between England and West Indies holds a unique record for the most number of ducks, with eight players falling without scoring. Lord’s, the hallowed cricket ground, has been a theatre for exceptional feats, including four-wicket hauls by legends like Shane Warne and Keith Boyce.