Quick read: The most important moments in men's ODI World Cup history.
West Indies win 1975
The first men's World Cup established the event.
India win 1983
Kapil Dev's side transformed cricket's future in South Asia.
Pakistan 1992
Imran Khan's cornered tigers surged to the title.
Sri Lanka 1996
Aggressive opening changed ODI tactics.
Australia 1999-2007
The greatest men's World Cup dynasty.
Gibbs drops Waugh, 1999
One of tournament folklore's defining moments.
Dhoni finishes 2011
A home World Cup won with a six.
Grant Elliott 2015
New Zealand reached a first final.
England 2019
Tied final, tied Super Over, first men's ODI World Cup.
Maxwell 201 not out, 2023
An impossible World Cup chase.
World Cup moments endure when they change what a team or format means.
Research and reference links
Last reviewed: June 2, 2026. Rankings are editorial where no official all-time ranking exists.