Overview

The 2015 Cricket World Cup was an international limited-overs cricket championship staged in February and March 2015. Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the tournament brought together the leading national teams in One Day International (ODI) cricket for a month of pool and knockout matches. It was one of the sport's major global events, organized under the governance of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Format and teams

The competition used a group stage followed by knockout rounds. Fourteen teams were drawn into two pools; each side played the others in its pool and the top teams advanced to quarter-finals. The format combined round-robin play to determine qualifiers with single-elimination fixtures deciding the champion. This structure aimed to balance guaranteed matches for participating teams with the drama of knockout cricket.

Venues and schedule

Matches were distributed across prominent stadiums in both host countries, including major metropolitan grounds and regional venues. Games took place from early February to late March, allowing for varied pitch conditions and climates. The final was held at a large-capacity stadium in Australia, drawing a substantial crowd and global television audience.

Tournament summary

Fourteen national teams contested the trophy, with established cricketing nations and emerging sides both taking part. After the group and knockout rounds, the tournament culminated in a final between the host nation and a fellow co-host. Australia prevailed to lift the World Cup, while New Zealand recorded its best-ever finish by reaching the final for the first time.

Notable performances and legacy

The event produced several memorable individual and team displays. One standout batting performance set a new high-water mark for a World Cup innings, and bowlers also produced decisive spells that shaped knockout matches. Beyond records, the tournament reinforced the popularity of one-day cricket in the southern hemisphere and influenced squad selection, coaching approaches and broadcast presentation in subsequent international seasons.

Key facts

  • Co-hosts: Australia and New Zealand.
  • Champion: Australia (their fifth World Cup victory).
  • Runners-up: New Zealand (first appearance in a final).
  • Format: two pools followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final.