The 2015 Cricket World Cup: Australia's Dominant Win at Home
Australia won the 2015 Cricket World Cup on home soil, defeating New Zealand in the final at the MCG in front of 93,000 people. Michael Clarke's captaincy in his final World Cup was a career high.
The 2015 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was one of the most successful World Cups in terms of quality of cricket, commercial success and crowd attendance. The expanded format featured 14 teams in two groups. Australia went through the tournament unbeaten and won the final against New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29 March 2015, in front of 93,013 spectators — the largest ever crowd for a cricket match in Australia. Australia's seven-wicket victory gave them a record fifth World Cup title.
The Final at the MCG
New Zealand had been the co-host's pride — unbeaten in the group stage and semi-finals, defeating South Africa and India on the way to the final. In the final, New Zealand batted first and scored 183 all out in 45 overs — Michael Clarke taking three wickets and James Faulkner taking three more. Australia's chase was built around Steven Smith (56*), James Faulkner (36) and Michael Clarke (74) in what proved to be Clarke's farewell appearance — he announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the match. Australia reached their target in 33.1 overs, completing a dominant tournament performance. Glenn Maxwell's batting and Mitchell Starc's bowling had been the standout individual performers throughout.
Mitchell Starc's Tournament
Mitchell Starc was the player of the 2015 World Cup, taking 22 wickets at 10.18 — the most wickets in a single World Cup tournament at that time, subsequently surpassed. His combination of swing, pace (regularly above 150 km/h) and yorkers made him the most dangerous bowler in the tournament. His wicket of Kane Williamson in the semi-final, bowling through the gate to trap the New Zealand captain for 12, was one of the tournament's great deliveries. Starc's ability to take wickets in the powerplay and death overs made him cricket's most complete fast bowling package.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2015 Cricket World Cup?
Australia won the 2015 Cricket World Cup, defeating New Zealand by 7 wickets in the final at the MCG on 29 March 2015, in front of 93,013 spectators. It was Australia's fifth World Cup title and Michael Clarke's last match as captain.
Who was the player of the 2015 World Cup?
Mitchell Starc of Australia was the standout bowler, taking 22 wickets at 10.18 — the most in a single World Cup tournament at the time. He was named Player of the Tournament. His express pace and swing were too much for most batting lineups in the tournament conditions.
How far did New Zealand go in the 2015 World Cup?
New Zealand co-hosted the tournament and had their best ever World Cup run, going unbeaten through the group stage and semi-finals to reach the final for the first time. They defeated South Africa and India along the way but lost to Australia in the final at the MCG.