Teams that have won ODI Cricket World Cup without losing a single match

Here is a list of teams that have won the ICC ODI World Cup without losing a single game through the tournament.

India’s Virat Kohli celebrates his century during the match against South Africa in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. | Photo Credit: X @ICC

Winning an ICC ODI World Cup title is considered the pinnacle of one-day cricket. Since first edition, in 1975, only five teams have managed to win a World Cup in the last 48 years.

Among these five sides, only two have managed to secure the title by going undefeated through the tournament, Australia and West Indies - with both teams doing it twice.

India is currently undefeated in the 2023 World Cup and could become the third team to achieve the feat if it manages to go the distance in the tournament.

West Indies - 1975

Clive Lloyd, West Indies cricket team captain, collects the Prudential World Cup One-Day International (ODI) Cricket Tournament from Duke of Edinburgh after defeating Australia in the finals at Lord’s. | Photo Credit: COLORSPORT/The Hindu

West Indies emerged as the first-ever ODI World Cup winner when it won the title in 1975 in England. The Caribbean side won all five matches it played in the tournament. Clive Lloyd’s team got the better of Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Pakistan and Australia (twice) in the 1975 World Cup.

West Indies - 1979

Clive Lloyd, the West Indies captain, is surrounded by his players as he displays the Prudential Cup at Lord’s. West Indies had retained the cup with a 92-run victory over England in the final. | Photo Credit: PA IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES

West Indies would continue its domination in the World Cup in 1979, defending its title and emerging out of the tournament unbeaten yet again.

West Indies’ win streak though was broken after its match against Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Australia - 2003

Ricky Ponting, captain of Australia, celebrates with the trophy and his teammates after the 2003 World Cup final. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Australia became the second team to win the ODI World Cup undefeated when it clinched the 2003 title.

Australia went unchallenged through the long tournament in South Africa, winning all 11 of the matches it played.

Australia - 2007

Australia’s Glenn McGrath, center, Adam Gilchrist, right, and Ricky Ponting show off the Cricket World Cup trophy during a photocall in Bridgetown, Barbados. | Photo Credit: AP

Just like West Indies, the Aussies would repeat the trick, winning the ODI World Cup without suffering a defeat, once again.

Befittingly, Australia achieved the feat in the Caribbean islands, once again winning all 11 of its matches in the tournament. This was also Australia’s third-consecutive World Cup win, having secured the title in 1999 and 2003.