2007 Cricket World Cup

Format and structure

The competition began with four groups of four teams. Each team played the others in its group once, and the top two teams from each group advanced to a second phase known as the "Super 8." In the Super 8, qualifying teams carried forward results against fellow qualifiers and played the remaining six opponents in a single round-robin to determine the four semi-finalists.

• Group stage: 4 groups of 4 teams.
• Super 8: eight teams, round-robin format with carried results.
• Knockout phase: two semi-finals and a final.

Key outcomes and notable matches

Several established cricket nations were present throughout the later stages; the semi-finalists included Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Australia progressed through the knockout rounds and defeated Sri Lanka in the final to secure their third consecutive World Cup title. The early rounds produced surprising results and a number of upsets that shaped the make-up of the Super 8.

Reception and legacy

The 2007 tournament prompted discussion about tournament design and competitive balance. Observers and cricket authorities considered the merits of the Super 8 format and the placement of teams in groups, and there were calls to refine qualification and scheduling for future editions. The event also reinforced Australia's dominance in one-day cricket during that era.

Importance and distinctions

Beyond the results, the 2007 World Cup mattered for its impact on international scheduling, broadcast arrangements and the profile of the sport in the Caribbean. It provided a stage for established stars and emerging players, influenced subsequent changes in World Cup formats, and remains a reference point when discussing multi-stage tournaments in cricket.

Further reading

For more details about the structure, match results and team squads, consult official tournament summaries and archives accessible through cricket authorities and record repositories. Contemporary press coverage and retrospective analyses provide additional context on decisions made after the event regarding format and qualification.