A Tale of Two Tournaments
A Caribbean Crucible
The 2007 Cricket World Cup was a tournament of profound contrasts. It witnessed one of the most dominant team performances in history with Australia's flawless victory, yet was simultaneously plagued by seismic upsets, logistical failures, and a tragedy that cast a long shadow. This interactive experience explores the dual narratives of perfection and chaos that defined this unforgettable event.
The Untouchables: Australia's Perfect Campaign
Australia achieved a historic third consecutive World Cup, winning all 11 matches. Their campaign was a masterclass in ruthless efficiency, built on overwhelming batting power and relentless bowling precision. Explore the key architects of this legendary performance.
The Tides of Change: The Great Upsets
While Australia dominated, the tournament's heart-stopping drama came from the underdogs. Two monumental upsets on a single day, March 17, 2007, sent cricketing giants India and Pakistan crashing out of the tournament, reshaping its entire narrative.
A St. Patrick's Day Miracle
Sabina Park, Jamaica
Pakistan
132
All Out (45.4 overs)
Ireland
133/7
(41.4 overs)
Result: Ireland won by 3 wickets.
Key Performer: Niall O'Brien (72 runs) anchored the chase with immense courage, guiding the debutants to one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
The Bengal Tigers' Ambush
Queen's Park Oval, Trinidad
India
191
All Out (49.3 overs)
Bangladesh
192/5
(48.3 overs)
Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets.
Key Performer: Mashrafe Mortaza (4/38) led a spirited bowling attack that restricted India's star-studded lineup, setting the stage for a fearless chase led by young talents.
Record Books Re-Written
The tournament was a statistical wonderland, with numerous long-standing individual and team records shattered. Click on a stat to learn more about these historic achievements.
The Knockout Gauntlet
After a long Super 8 stage, four teams emerged. The semi-finals were brutally one-sided, setting up a final showdown between the tournament's two most consistent sides.
Semi-Final 1
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
Sri Lanka won by 81 runs
Semi-Final 2
Australia vs South Africa
Australia won by 7 wickets
FINAL
Australia vs Sri Lanka
🏆 Australia
won by 53 runs (D/L)
The Long Shadow: Controversy & Legacy
Beyond the on-field action, the 2007 World Cup is remembered for the dark cloud of controversy and tragedy that enveloped it, leaving a legacy of painful but necessary lessons that reshaped the sport.
The Death of Bob Woolmer
The tournament was irrevocably stained by tragedy when Pakistan's coach, Bob Woolmer, was found dead in his hotel room the day after his team's shocking elimination. An initial murder investigation plunged the World Cup into a state of crisis and grief. Though eventually ruled a death by natural causes, the event cast a dark shadow over the proceedings and highlighted the immense pressures of international cricket.
A Tournament Under Fire
The event was widely condemned for a range of organizational failures:
- Flawed Format: The short group stage led to the commercially disastrous early exit of India and Pakistan.
- Fan Alienation: High ticket prices and a ban on traditional Caribbean musical instruments led to empty stadiums and a sterile atmosphere.
- Logistical Blunders: Unfinished venues, poor practice facilities, and a farcical, confused ending to the final in near-darkness marred the event's credibility.