The ICC ODI World Cup Winners List is a record of the biggest event in One-Day International cricket. Since its start in 1975, Australia has stood out in World Cup history, holding the record for the most wins with six titles, making it the most successful team in this tournament’s history.
Every tournament has left its mark, from the West Indies’ back-to-back wins in the early years to India’s iconic 1983 and 2011 victories. Teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and, more recently, England have also made their mark, winning titles and inspiring fans worldwide.
This list provides a quick look at each World Cup, who won, and how they clinched the title. This summary will show you the most exciting moments and remarkable champions in ODI cricket history.
ICC ODI World Cup Winners List (1975-2023)
This table will provide you with a quick look at the ICC ODI World Cup winners over the years:
| Year | Host Country | Winner | Runners Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | England | West Indies | Australia |
| 1979 | England | West Indies | England |
| 1983 | England | India | West Indies |
| 1987 | India/ Pakistan | Australia | England |
| 1992 | Australia / New Zealand | Pakistan | England |
| 1996 | India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | Australia |
| 1999 | England/Ireland/Netherlands/Scotland | Australia | Pakistan |
| 2003 | Kenya/South Africa/Zimbabwe | Australia | India |
| 2007 | West Indies | Australia | Sri Lanka |
| 2011 | India/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka | India | Sri Lanka |
| 2015 | Australia/ New Zealand | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2019 | England | England | New Zealand |
| 2023 | India | Australia | India |
Overview of Each World Cup
This section will provide you with the details of each World Cup:
1. 1975 – Winner: West Indies
Scorecard: West Indies 291/8, Australia 274
The inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975, held in England, saw the West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd, emerge victorious. In the final at Lord’s, Lloyd scored a powerful 102 off 85 balls, propelling the West Indies to a competitive 291/8.
His innings, full of aggressive strokes, set a solid foundation that Australia struggled to overcome, and his quick scoring created momentum for the West Indies throughout their innings.
Australia fought back with spirited batting, but consistent fielding and sharp bowling by the West Indies kept them under pressure. Despite their efforts, Australia was dismissed for 274, falling short by 17 runs.
This win marked a historic moment in cricket as the West Indies lifted the first-ever World Cup trophy, showcasing their dominance in the early years of ODI cricket.
2. 1979 – Winner: West Indies
Scorecard: West Indies 286/9, England 194
In the 1979 World Cup final, held again at Lord’s, the West Indies defended their title by putting up a commanding total of 286/9. Building on an impressive 138 from Viv Richards, their batting displayed depth and aggression, setting a challenging target for England.
Richards’ knock, paired with Collis King’s quickfire 86, created a score that demanded a strong response from England in the chase.
England started promisingly, but the West Indies’ strong bowling attack quickly took control. England eventually crumbled for just 194, giving the West Indies a 92-run victory.
This back-to-back title win solidified the West Indies’ place as the dominant force in ODI cricket and underscored their cricketing legacy.
3. 1983 – Winner: India
Scorecard: India 183, West Indies 140
The 1983 World Cup final is remembered as a defining moment in Indian cricket. India, led by Kapil Dev, posted a modest total of 183 after struggling against the strong West Indies bowling attack.
Though it seemed a low target, India’s bowlers were determined to defend it, and early breakthroughs kept the West Indies on edge.
Against all expectations, India bowled out the West Indies for 140, marking a shocking 43-run win and securing their first World Cup title. This victory was pivotal in popularizing cricket in India, transforming the country into a powerhouse for the sport and inspiring generations of Indian cricketers.
4. 1987 – Winner: Australia
Scorecard: Australia 253/5, England 246/8
The 1987 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Pakistan, saw Australia win their first title. In the final held at Eden Gardens, Australia scored 253/5, with David Boon’s 75 forming the backbone of their innings.
Australia’s disciplined batting laid down a challenging target, but England looked capable of chasing it down, with contributions from Mike Gatting and Bill Athey.
However, England fell short by 7 runs as Australia’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, sealing a narrow victory. This triumph was the start of Australia’s golden era in World Cup history, as they showed resilience and tactical skill on their way to their maiden title.
5. 1992 – Winner: Pakistan
Scorecard: Pakistan 249/6, England 227
Under Imran Khan’s inspirational leadership, Pakistan clinched their first World Cup title in 1992. In the final, Pakistan set a target of 250 with an innings anchored by Imran’s 72.
Wasim Akram’s explosive bowling spell later on made it difficult for England to gain any momentum during their chase, tilting the match heavily in Pakistan’s favor.
England’s batting lineup struggled against Pakistan’s bowlers, and they were eventually dismissed for 227, handing Pakistan a 22-run victory. This win was an iconic moment in Pakistan’s cricket history and catapulted Imran Khan into legendary status, symbolizing his career as an all-time great.
6. 1996 – Winner: Sri Lanka
Scorecard: Australia 241, Sri Lanka 245/3
Sri Lanka achieved their first World Cup victory in 1996, making history on home soil. In the final, Australia posted 241, a respectable score at the time.
However, Sri Lanka’s openers set a brisk pace, and a classy 107 not out from Aravinda de Silva led them to chase down the target with ease, reaching 245/3.
This win by 7 wickets with 22 ball remaining was a landmark achievement for them.. It marked a turning point for Sri Lankan cricket, establishing them as a formidable force in the international arena and celebrating the rise of a new cricketing nation.
7. 1999 – Winner: Australia
Scorecard: Pakistan 132, Australia 133/2
Australia won their second World Cup title in 1999 with a dominant victory over Pakistan. Bowling first, Australia’s bowlers skittled Pakistan out for a mere 132, making this the lowest score in an ODI World Cup final.
With Shane Warne taking four wickets in a brilliant display. The low target made Australia’s job straightforward in the chase.
Australia reached 133/2 comfortably, winning by 8 wickets and securing the trophy with an impressive performance.
This World Cup win underscored Australia’s rising dominance in world cricket and marked the beginning of an era in which they would become nearly unbeatable in ODI tournaments.
8. 2003 – Winner: Australia
Scorecard: Australia 359/2, India 234
Australia claimed their third World Cup title in 2003 with a crushing victory over India. Winning the toss, India captain Sourav Ganguly asked Australia to bat first.
Batting first, Australia posted a total of 359/2, thanks to Ricky Ponting’s unbeaten 140.
India’s bowlers struggled, unable to contain the aggressive Australian lineup, which set an enormous target. India’s batsmen faltered under the pressure, eventually being bowled out for 234.
Australia’s 125-run win showcased their all-round strength, which emphasized their dominance in ODI cricket, establishing them as the team to beat in future World Cups.
9. 2007 – Winner: Australia
Scorecard: Australia 281/4, Sri Lanka 215/8
In 2007, Australia completed a hat-trick of World Cup wins by defeating Sri Lanka in a rain-affected final. With Adam Gilchrist blasting 149, Australia posted a solid 281/4. Despite interruptions due to rain, Australia’s score remained unchallenged, as Sri Lanka could only manage 215/8.
Australia won by 53 runs under the DLS method, claiming their fourth title. This victory underscored Australia’s sustained dominance and mastery of ODI cricket, as they lifted the trophy again with another impressive all-round display.
10. 2011 – Winner: India
Scorecard: Sri Lanka 274/6, India 277/4
India won their second World Cup title in 2011 with a memorable victory over Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Chasing 275, India reached 277/4, with Gautam Gambhir scoring 97 and MS Dhoni sealing the win with an iconic six. Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 provided stability and leadership in the chase.
This six-wicket win was historic, as India became the first team to win the World Cup on home soil. It was also the legend Sachin Tendulkar’s last World Cup. The triumph united the nation, inspiring millions and reaffirming India’s place at the top of world cricket.
11. 2015 – Winner: Australia
Scorecard: New Zealand 183, Australia 186/3
Australia claimed their fifth World Cup title in 2015, defeating New Zealand by 7 wickets in Melbourne. After losing the key wicket of Brandon Mccullum, New Zealand was restricted to 183 runs, thanks to Mitchell Starc’s disciplined bowling.
Australia chased down the target quickly, reaching 186/3 with contributions from their top-order batsmen.
This dominant win highlighted Australia’s strength in every department, earning them a fifth World Cup trophy and solidifying their reputation as a top cricketing nation.
Starc’s Player of the Tournament performance was particularly memorable in a tournament filled with high-quality cricket.
12. 2019 – Winner: England
Scorecard: New Zealand 241/8, England 241 (England won on boundary count after Super Over)
The 2019 World Cup final was one of the most dramatic in cricket history. Both England and New Zealand scored 241, leading to a Super Over. Even the Super Over ended in a tie, with England declared winners based on the boundary count rule.
Ben Stokes’ heroics with the bat were crucial to England’s efforts in a tense match. This thrilling win marked England’s first World Cup title, achieved on home soil, and showcased the excitement and unpredictability of ODI cricket.
The victory brought England to the top of the ODI world, celebrated as one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
13. 2023 – Winner: Australia
Scorecard: India 240, Australia 241/4
Australia won their sixth World Cup title in 2023, overcoming India by 6 wickets in a closely contested final. India posted 240, but Travis Head’s century guided Australia to a successful chase, reaching 241/4.
Head’s controlled knock played a critical role in securing the trophy for Australia and beat India in their home soil in a final.
This victory reinforced Australia’s status as the most successful team in ODI World Cup history. Their calm, calculated performance on the big stage set a new standard.
Their sixth title highlighted their consistent excellence and adaptability across decades of World Cup cricket.
When Is The Next ICC ODI World Cup?
The next ICC ODI World Cup will take place in 2027. Set to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, this tournament promises to bring fresh excitement as top cricketing nations compete for the title. Fans worldwide eagerly await the return of another World Cup action.
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Conclusion: Australia Has Won The ICC ODI World Cup Six Times
The ICC ODI World Cup winners’ list reflects cricket’s rich history and competitive spirit. Australia’s record of six titles is an example of their excellence and impact in this tournament.
As more teams strengthen their ODI squads, fans eagerly anticipate new chapters in the tournament’s history.
Each ODI World Cup brings fresh excitement, and this list highlights how each winning team has earned its place in cricket’s record books. With the next World Cup just 3 years away, fans can only look forward to more legendary matches and unforgettable champions in the making.
