ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Australia's Dominant Seventh Title
Australia won the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup on home soil, going through the tournament unbeaten and crushing co-hosts New Zealand in the final at Melbourne.
The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup was jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand across February and March 2015. Australia went through the entire tournament unbeaten, winning their seventh World Cup title and their fifth in seven editions — cementing their status as cricket's most successful limited-overs side.
The Road to the Final
Fourteen teams competed across two pools. Australia dominated Pool A, while New Zealand had a perfect pool stage under Brendon McCullum's aggressive leadership. Both co-hosts qualified comfortably. South Africa and India were eliminated in the semi-finals, setting up a trans-Tasman decider.
The Final at the MCG
In front of 93,013 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015, Australia won the toss and fielded. New Zealand were bowled out for 183. Steve Smith top-scored with 56 not out and Michael Clarke contributed 74 in what proved to be his final international innings before retirement. Australia won by seven wickets with 18.5 overs to spare.
Tournament Highlights
Martin Guptill hit 237 not out against West Indies — the highest individual score in World Cup history. Mitchell Starc's early-tournament hat-trick against New Zealand and his Player of the Tournament haul of 22 wickets made him the standout bowler. Australia's batting depth and pace attack proved unstoppable throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2015 Cricket World Cup?
Australia won the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, defeating co-hosts New Zealand by seven wickets in the final at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 29, 2015.
What is the highest individual score in World Cup history?
Martin Guptill of New Zealand scored 237 not out against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final — the highest individual innings in World Cup history.