As the ODI World Cup nears our doorsteps, it is quite interesting to note one thing.
Talking about the previous three editions, it seems that winning the trophy on home soil is quite advantageous for the hosts.
However, it also comes with its added pressures and expectations and that is normal when the marquee event approaches.
Before the 2011 edition, the only team to win the World Cup on home soil was Sri Lanka way back in 1996.
But, even they played only two games at home and won the trophy in Lahore.
Now, since the 2011 edition, a new trend has been put into place wherein the hosts have triumphed.
Starting with India, the trend was quickly followed by Australia and then England in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
Let’s take a look at how the teams faced all the challenges to emerge victorious in the ODI World Cup.
India lifted the ODI World Cup in 2011 with their legends
In the 2011 edition, India’s favorite legends of the game celebrated their ODI World Cup win after beating Sri Lanka in the finals.
April 2nd is the most memorable day in the lives of cricket fans in India to this date. It also made Sachin Tendulkar’s day as he was finally with a World Cup-winning squad.
Although he made only 18 runs in the summit clash, he helped reach India the final by crushing Pakistan in the semis.
On the other hand, Yuvraj Singh also gave a Player of the Tournament wherein he amassed 362 runs and picked up 15 wickets.
Therefore, all the players were facing personal problems as well as the collective challenge to win the Cup.
Moreover, the team also had discussions with Mike Horn, who helped them prepare mentally and the results were visible in the tournament.
Michael Clarke’s men dismantle every opposition to lift World Cup in 2015
Talking about the 2015 edition of the tournament, it was held jointly in Australia and New Zealand.
Australia started off the tournament with a bang after they defeated old rivals England by 111 runs at MCG.
However, they faced a no result against Bangladesh while co-hosts, New Zealand gave them a one-wicket loss that the Aussies didn’t forget.
After that, Australia went on a wild rampage as they defeated Afghanistan by 275 runs and then defeated Sri Lanka and Scotland quite easily.
In the semis, they knocked out India and Pakistan to enter the finals of the tournament.
Moreover, in the final, New Zealand was knocked out for 183 which Australia chased down in just 101 balls.
This proved that Australia was the team in 2015 to look out for in the World Cup.
England finally clinched the ODI World Cup for the first time in history
And finally, we talk about the 2019 ODI World Cup that was hosted jointly by England and Wales.
After a forgettable campaign in 2015, England was determined to win the coveted trophy at home.
Skipper Eoin Morgan and his men set out with this perspective and they did get a good headstart.
Defeating the likes of South Africa, Afghanistan, and Australia in their wake, England stormed into the finals.
However, they once again faced the Blackcaps who were runners-up from the last edition.
It was a roller-coaster final as England won the trophy on the basis of boundary count.
So, it is no surprise that the hosts of the World Cup have gone on to win the trophy as well.
India faces tough challenge ahead as World Cup returns to home soil
Now, the team that started the trend is now once again the host of the marquee tournament, albeit solo.
Therefore, they will look to win their 3rd title for the country and the fans by performing well.
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