The team dominated the cricket world for a span of almost 14 years completed its trilogy of World Cups on this day in 2007. Playing their fourth consecutive World Cup final, Australia overcame the same nation that had halted them in 1996. In the final played at Bridgetown, Aussies defeated Sri Lanka by 53 runs and reigned supreme in ODI circuit.
After the domination that Australia had shown in the World Cup 2003, there was no doubt that they were going to be in no mercy mood. They had gone unbeaten throughout the World Cup 03. Here in the group stage itself, Australia posted 330-plus in three consecutive matches and defeated South Africa who was the only strong team in the group.
In the Super Eight stage, they mauled West Indies and Bangladesh that came their way. Then they destroyed England and Ireland with enormous margins. They cleared the stage with all six wins, here are the winning margins
103 runs vs West Indies
10 wickets vs Bangladesh
7 wickets vs England
9 wickets vs Ireland
7 wickets vs Sri Lanka
215 runs vs New Zealand
The semi-finals again pitted South Africa against Australia. The eventual Champions tore into South Africa by reducing them to 27/5. Gibbs and Hall brought them to a respectable 149. Aussies chased it with seven wickets in hands.
In the final, Australia met Sri Lanka. The start of the play was delayed by the rain and the match eventually was trimmed down to 38-overs each. Australia batted first. Adam Gilchrist batting with a squash ball in his glove raced to a heroic 149 and Australia ended up with a towering total of 281/4.
While chasing, Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya started perusing the dream as they put together the 111-run partnership for the second wickets. Once these two got separated, SL lost their way and amidst the stark darkness, Australia lifted their third World Cup.
