Late Bob Woolmer
For the first time the World Cup was hosted by West Indies. A total of 16 teams took part in the tournament who were placed in 4 groups. Group A were consisted of Australia, South Africa, Scotland and the Netherlands. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and debutants Bermuda were placed in Group B. New Zealand, England, Kenya and Canada were there in Group C while Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe and debutants Ireland filled up Group D slots.
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The top two from each group are to advance to the super eights with the rules and formats are exactly the same as that of the super sixes’ round used in 1999 and 2003 World Cup. The shocking results came from Group B and Group D respectively when minnows Bangladesh and Ireland knocked out India and Pakistan respectively. Bob Woolmer, Pakistan coach was found dead in his hotel room under mysterious circumstances the day Pakistan made their exit.
Hence, from Group A, Australia and South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Group B, New Zealand and England from Group C while West Indies and Ireland from Group D advanced to the super eight stage. In the super eight stage Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka created an unique record by taking four wickets of successive deliveries against South Africa and the shocker came when minnows Bangladesh stunned South Africa.
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The semi final line ups looked like this : Sri Lanka vs New Zealand and Australia vs South Africa. both Sri Lanka and Australia had little problems in winning their encounters and they again clashed in the Grand Finale – a repeat of 1996.
Australia had their revenge when Adam Gilchrist struck a fine century 149(104) . Frequent rain interruptions have led Australia winning the match and the championship by Duckworth – Lewis method.
Australia thus became the first team to win three consecutive world cups. Glenn McGrath was adjudged the player of the world cup.
