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All You Should Know About the 2015 World Cup

2015 World Cup

The 2015 World Cup stands as a hallmark moment in the history of international cricket. It captivated the global sports community with its thrilling displays of skill and competition. This edition of the cricketing spectacle brought together teams worldwide, each contesting for supremacy on the grand stage. With unparalleled enthusiasm and zeal, the 2015 World Cup showcased the pinnacle of cricketing prowess. It left a memorable mark on the hearts of fans and etched the performances of players into the annals of the sport’s chronicles.

So, let’s discuss this exciting edition of the ODI World Cup in detail.

Background

The 11th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup featured the thrilling men’s national teams contest in the One Day International (ODI) format. Governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Australia and New Zealand jointly hosted this prestigious tournament from February 14 to March 29, 2015. Notably, this marked the tournament’s return to the region since its previous occurrence during the 1992 Cricket World Cup.

Comprising 14 teams, the event was meticulously divided into two pools of seven teams each. Within these pools, every participating team engaged in a single match against each of their counterparts. The top four teams from each pool secured their advancement to the subsequent knockout phase, marked by riveting quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the ultimate championship clash.

Group Stage

A total of 42 matches took place during the tournament’s group stage, offering an extensive display of cricketing prowess. The quarter-finals welcomed the top four teams from each pool, intensifying the competition.

When two or more teams found themselves tied with the same number of points after completing six matches, the team with the most significant number of wins was given precedence in ranking. In situations where tied teams had an equal count of victories, their placement was determined based on their net run rate, adding a layer of scrutiny to their performance.

Pool A

Pool A in the 2015 World Cup, comprising seven teams, showcased a dynamic blend of skills, strategies, and aspirations on the global stage. Teams from different corners of the cricketing world, including Australia, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Scotland, locked horns in thrilling encounters.

Each team embarked on a mission to secure their place among the top four, determined to progress to the knockout phase and inch closer to the ultimate glory. After weeks of exciting and captivating matches, the top four teams, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, advanced to the quarter-finals.

Here are the standings of Pool A teams after group stage matches:

Pool AMatchesWonLostNo ResultPointsNet Run Rate
New Zealand6600122.564
Australia641192.257
Sri Lanka642080.371
Bangladesh632170.136
England62404-0.753
Afghanistan61502-1.853
Scotland60600-2.218

Pool B

Pool B in the 2015 World Cup brought together a diverse assembly of cricketing powerhouses and emerging forces, creating a cauldron of intense competition. Comprised of seven teams, this group encompassed an array of cricketing styles, talents, and ambitions.

The participating nations, including India, South Africa, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates, engaged in exhilarating clashes. Each team relentlessly striving to secure a coveted spot among the top four. India, South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup.

Here are the standings of Pool A teams after group stage matches:

POOL BMatchesWonLostNo ResultPointsNet Run Rate
India6600121.827
South Africa642081.707
Pakistan64208-0.085
West Indies63306-0.053
Ireland63306-0.933
Zimbabwe61502-0.527
United Arab Emirates60600-2.032

Knockout Stage

Australia and New Zealand, serving as hosts, secured their place in the quarter-finals. Australia contested a match on the 20th of March in Adelaide, while New Zealand played on the 21st of March in Wellington. Sri Lanka, the subsequent highest-ranked team, engaged in a quarter-final match in Sydney.

Had England advanced, being the third-highest-ranked team, their match would have occurred in Melbourne. However, as England did not qualify for the quarter-finals, their spot was taken by Bangladesh.

Quarter-finals

Intense clashes between the top teams marked the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup. These matches determined the path to the semi-finals, showcasing the skill and determination of the teams.

Below is the short detail of each quartered-final.

Sri Lanka vs. South Africa

The first quarter-final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup witnessed a one-sided affair between Sri Lanka and South Africa. Sri Lanka set a modest target of 134 runs. A rain interruption complicated the chase for South Africa. In the end, South Africa achieved the revised target with 9 wickets in hand through a stellar partnership between Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers, securing their place in the semi-finals with a thrilling victory.

South African bowlers dominating the batting line-up of Sri Lanka in the quarter-final
Image Credit: ibtimes.co

India vs. Bangladesh

In the second quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup, India faced Bangladesh in a closely contested match. India’s batting prowess, led by Rohit Sharma‘s century, powered them to a competitive total. In response, Bangladesh fought hard, with Mahmudullah’s century raising hopes.

However, Indian bowlers held their nerve, and Bangladesh fell short by a narrow margin. India secured victory, advancing to the semi-finals with a 109-run win, displaying their balanced performance in batting and bowling.

Pakistan vs. Australia

In the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Pakistan and Australia competed in the third quarter-final match. Pakistan scored 213 runs before losing all their wickets in 49.5 overs. Haris Sohail stood out as the top scorer, achieving 41 runs from 57 deliveries. Josh Hazlewood, representing Australia, performed impressively by taking four wickets for 35 runs.

Australia showcased their dominance by successfully chasing the target of 216 runs, achieving this feat in just 33.5 overs. Steve Smith emerged as the highest scorer for Australia with 65 runs from 69 balls. Additionally, Shane Watson played an unbeaten inning of 64 runs from 66 balls, while Glenn Maxwell contributed 44 not out.
The match was made memorable by Wahab Riaz’s intense bowling spell. With this victory, Australia secured their place in the tournament’s semi-finals, establishing their reputation as strong contenders for the championship.

Historical battle between Wahab Riaz and Watson in the 2015 World Cup
Image Credits: wisden.com

New Zealand vs. West Indies

In the last quarter-final match of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, New Zealand faced off against the West Indies. New Zealand’s batting display, led by Martin Guptill’s monumental 237* – the highest individual score in World Cup history – set an imposing target.

The West Indies struggled to maintain momentum despite an aggressive start, eventually falling short as they were bowled out for 250. With this victory, New Zealand secured their place in the semi-finals, showcasing their batting prowess and ensuring a memorable conclusion to the quarter-final stage.

Semi-finals

Four teams, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Australia, made their way into the semi-finals after successfully encountering their opposite teams in the quarter-finals.

New Zealand Vs. South Africa

The semi-final clash between New Zealand and South Africa during the 2015 World Cup is considered one of the tournament’s most thrilling and dramatic matches. The match took place on March 24, 2015, at Eden Park. In the rain-hit semi-final clash between the two sides, South Africa had won the toss and elected to bat first.

After losing two quick wickets early on, Faf Du Plessis and AB de Villiers scored 82 and 65, respectively, which set the tone for their innings. David Miller, the left-handed batsman, also struck a crucial 49* off 18 balls to help the Proteas reach a total of 281 in 43 overs. New Zealand bowler Corey Anderson picked up 3-wickets, and Trent Boult took two wickets.

New Zealand needed to score 298 to win the match after the total was revised because of the Duckworth-Lewis method. While chasing, the Kiwis got off to a good start but lost quick wickets in the middle, which brought South Africa back into the game. However, Grant Elliott’s 84* off 73 proved to be a game-changer for the Kiwis as he helped his side win one of the most memorable games of cricket.

Grant Elliott finishing South Africa’s 2015 World Cup journey
Image Credits: theguardian.com

The match was a roller coaster of emotions, with both teams displaying incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Grant Elliott’s batting performance was the standout feature of the match, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Scorecard

Here is the scorecard of the first semi-final of the 2015 World Cup:

South Africa Innings

BATTERRunsBallsStrike Rate4s6s
Hashim Amla101471.4220
Quinton de Kock141782.3520
Faf du Plessis8210776.6371
Rilee Rossouw395373.5821
AB de Villiers (c)6545144.4481
David Miller4918272.2263
Jean-Paul Duminy8420010
Extras14
TOTAL281/5
Dale Steyn8.50768.61
Vernon Philander80526.50
Morne Morkel90596.553
Imran Tahir91404.440
Jean-Paul Duminy50438.61
AB de Villiers302170

New Zealand Innings

BATTERRunsBallsStrike Rate4s6s
Martin Guptill343889.4731
Brendon McCullum (c)5926226.9284
Kane Williamson61154.5410
Ross Taylor303976.9240
Grant Elliott8473115.0673
Corey Anderson5857101.7562
Luke Ronchi †87114.2810
Daniel Vettori76116.6610
Extras13
TOTAL299/6
BOWLEROversMaidensRunsEconomy RateWickets
Tim Southee91556.110
Trent Boult90535.882
Matt Henry824050
Daniel Vettori90465.110
Kane Williamson10550
Grant Elliott10990
Corey Anderson6072123

Australis Vs. India

Australia won the toss in the second semi-final of the 2015 World Cup against India and decided to bat first. The opening partnership between Aaron Finch and David Warner provided Australia with a solid start. Although Warner was dismissed relatively early, Finch’s innings of 81 helped set a strong foundation for the rest of the batting lineup.

Steven Smith’s century was undoubtedly the highlight of Australia’s innings. His partnership with Finch laid the groundwork for a big score. Glenn Maxwell’s aggressive batting and James Faulkner’s cameo towards the end of the innings provided a late flourish. Aggressive hitting by Faulkner added valuable runs in the death overs and pushed Australia’s total beyond the 300-run mark.

India’s chase was shaky as they lost both openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, within the first six overs. Mitchell Johnson’s early breakthroughs put India on the back foot. Virat Kohli was dismissed early in the innings for just 1 run. His wicket was a big blow to India’s chances of chasing the target.

Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina built a crucial partnership that stabilized India’s innings. Their stand provided hope as they put together a partnership of 70 runs, with Rahane contributing 44 runs and Raina scoring 65. Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal triggered a collapse as India quickly lost a series of wickets.

MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to revive India’s innings with a partnership. MS Dhoni’s dismissal in the 45th over effectively ended India’s hopes of a successful chase. James Faulkner’s bowling performance was a critical factor in India’s downfall. He took crucial wickets during the death overs, including the wickets of Rahane and Dhoni, which dented India’s chances of staging a comeback. India was bowled out for 233 runs in the 47th over. This handed Australia a convincing victory by 95 runs and secured their place in the final of the 2015 World Cup.

Mighty Aussies making their way into the final of World Cup for 7th time
Image Credits: hindustantimes.com

Scorecard

Here is the scorecard of the second semi-final of the 2015 World Cup:

Australia Innings

BATTERRunsBallsStrike Rate4s6s
Aaron Finch8111669.8271
David Warner127171.4211
Steven Smith10593112.9112
Glenn Maxwell2314164.2831
Shane Watson283093.3321
Michael Clarke (c)101283.3310
James Faulkner211217531
Brad Haddin †7710010
Mitchell Johnson27930041
Extras14
TOTAL328/7
BOWLEROversMaidensRunsEconomy RateWickets
Mitchell Starc8.50283.162
Josh Hazlewood101414.11
Mitchell Johnson1005052
James Faulkner91596.553
Glenn Maxwell50183.60
Shane Watson40297.250

India Innings

BATTERRunsBallsStrike Rate4s6s
Rohit Sharma344870.8312
Shikhar Dhawan4541109.7561
Virat Kohli1137.6900
Ajinkya Rahane446864.720
Suresh Raina71163.6310
MS Dhoni (c)†656510032
Ravindra Jadeja161794.1120
Ravichandran Ashwin51338.4600
Mohammed Shami1110000
Mohit Sharma01000
Umesh Yadav05000
Extras15
TOTAL233
BOWLEROversMaidensRunsEconomy RateWickets
Mohammed Shami100686.80
Umesh Yadav907284
Mohit Sharma100757.52
Virat Kohli10770
Ravindra Jadeja100565.60
Ravichandran Ashwin100424.21

Final

The cricketing world stood on the brink of excitement and anticipation as the much-awaited 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup took center stage. Against stunning landscapes and enthusiastic crowds, the tournament promised a thrilling spectacle of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

On March 29, 2015, the grand finale of the 2015 Cricket World Cup unfolded at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. This ultimate showdown featured the tournament’s co-hosts: Australia and New Zealand. The match witnessed an astounding attendance of 93,013 spectators, setting a new record for the largest cricket crowd in a single day on Australian soil.

So, let’s recap this fantastic game of cricket.

Background

Commencing on February 14, the 2015 World Cup marked the initiation of a riveting tournament co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, spanning across 14 distinguished venues. With a lineup of fourteen teams divided into two pools of seven, the journey led to a thrilling climax.

The top four contenders from each pool advanced to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for intense battles. The pinnacle of the event unfolded on March 29 in a mesmerizing day-night encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where New Zealand and Australia clashed for supremacy.

Australia and New Zealand locking horns in the final of the 2015 World Cup
Image Credits: mykhel.com

This monumental match held special significance as it marked New Zealand’s inaugural World Cup Final appearance, while Australia added to their remarkable record by participating in their seventh final.

Remarkably, it was the second successive instance of co-hosts facing off in the final, and a noteworthy departure from tradition saw the absence of any Asian team in the championship clash for the first time since 1987. The match also bore significance as it signaled the final One Day International appearances for distinguished players like Australian captain Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, and New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori.

Toss

Coin spun in favor of Kiwis, and they decided to bat first.

New Zealand’s Innings

Brendon McCullum’s innings was abruptly halted by Mitchell Starc on the fifth delivery of the opening over, leaving a sense of early setback for New Zealand. The team’s progress was deliberate and cautious, reaching a score of 38 for 2 after 12 overs when the second wicket, Martin Guptill, fell. The subsequent over saw Kane Williamson’s dismissal, caught and bowled by Mitchell Johnson, contributing a mere 12 runs to the cause. A maiden over from Josh Hazlewood added to the mounting pressure.

At the halfway point, New Zealand’s scoreboard displayed 93 for 3, with Grant Elliott on 39 and Ross Taylor on 20, tasked with steering the innings. Taylor’s resilience endured until the 36th over, ultimately succumbing to a catch behind the stumps of James Faulkner’s delivery, having accumulated 40 runs.

Faulkner further fortified his performance by dismissing Corey Anderson for no score, intensifying the challenge for New Zealand, positioned at 150 for 5 after 36 overs. The entrance of Luke Ronchi was short-lived, caught by Michael Clarke from Starc’s bowling, failing to add any runs.

Aussies bowlers' dominance in the final
Image Credits: espncricinfo.com

Daniel Vettori’s resistance concluded three overs later, departing after amassing eight runs. This left New Zealand at 167 for 7 from 41 overs. Grant Elliott’s defiant knock came to a close in the next over, as he was caught by Brad Haddin off Faulkner’s delivery, having scored a crucial 83 runs. With Matt Henry and Tim Southee at the crease, both failed to register any runs and were dismissed in the 45th over. The innings concluded with New Zealand’s total standing at 183.

Australia’s Innings

Australia’s journey began on a similarly disheartening note, as Aaron Finch fell victim to Trent Boult’s delivery, caught and bowled, without scoring a run in the second over. As the initial tension eased, Australia reached 56 for 1 by the end of the 10th over, guided by David Warner’s aggressive 39 and Steve Smith’s composed 13. Warner’s innings was curtailed in the 13th over, caught by Elliott off Henry’s bowling after amassing 45 runs.

The team’s resilience shone through as the 20th over concluded with Australia at 98 for 2, with Clarke notching 21 runs and the steadfast Smith on 25. The 30-over mark witnessed Clarke standing strong at 57 runs, having faced most deliveries, while Smith was on the cusp of a half-century with 47 runs to his name. In the 32nd over, Clarke’s innings ended, dismissed by Henry after scoring 74 runs.

However, Australia required merely 9 runs from a surplus of 113 deliveries at this juncture. With Shane Watson now accompanying Smith, the latter struck the match-winning blow – a four off Henry’s delivery on the first ball of the 34th over, culminating in a triumphant seven-wicket victory for Australia in the 2015 World Cup.

Champions of 2015 World Cup-Australia
Image Credits: timesofindia

Scorecard

Here’s the 2015 World Cup final scorecard:

New Zealand Innings

BATTERRunsBallsStrike Rate4s6s
Martin Guptill153444.1111
Brendon McCullum (c)03000
Kane Williamson123336.3610
Ross Taylor407255.5520
Grant Elliott8382101.2171
Corey Anderson02000
Luke Ronchi †04000
Daniel Vettori92142.8510
Tim Southee111110001
Matt Henry07000
Trent Boult01000
Extras13
TOTAL183
BOWLEROversMaidensRunsEconomy RateWickets
Tim Southee80658.120
Trent Boult1004041
Daniel Vettori502550
Matt Henry9.10465.012
Corey Anderson10770

Australia Innings

BATTERRunsBallsStrike Rate4s6s
David Warner454697.8270
Aaron Finch05000
Steven Smith567178.8730
Michael Clarke (c)7472102.77101
Shane Watson254000
Extras9
TOTAL186/3
BOWLEROversMaidensRunsEconomy RateWickets
Mitchell Starc80202.52
Josh Hazlewood82303.750
Mitchell Johnson90303.333
Glenn Maxwell70375.281
James Faulkner913643
Shane Watson40235.750

Statistics

Here is the list of statistics for the 2015 World Cup.

Most Runs

BATTERTeamMatchesRunsAverageStrike RateHighest Score
Martin GuptillNew Zealand954768.37104.58237*
AB de VilliersSouth Africa848296.4144.31162*
Shikhar DhawanIndia841251.591.75137
Kumar SangakkaraSri Lanka7541108.2105.87124
Brendan TaylorZimbabwe643372.16106.91138

Most Wickets

BowlerTeamMatchesWicketsEconomy RateAverageEconomy Rate
Mitchell StarcAustralia8223.510.183.5
Trent BoultNew Zealand9224.3616.864.36
Umesh YadavIndia8184.9817.834.98
Mohammed ShamiIndia7174.8117.294.81
Morné MorkelSouth Africa8174.3817.584.38

Conclusion

The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup left an indelible mark on cricket history, a chapter etched with unforgettable moments and resounding achievements. From New Zealand’s spirited journey to their first-ever World Cup final to Australia’s formidable performance on home soil, the competition embodied the essence of cricketing excellence.
The clash of titans, the emergence of underdogs, and the relentless pursuit of victory painted a vivid narrative that captured the hearts of fans across the globe. As the final chapter closed at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s triumph symbolized the culmination of weeks of dedication, skill, and passion. The tournament ended with Martin Guptill being the leading run-scorer (547) and Mitchell Starc with the most wickets(22).

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