The
2007 ICC Cricket World Cup was the ninth edition of the tournament and took place in the West Indies from 13 March to 28 April 2007, using the sport's One Day International format. There were a total of 51 matches played, three fewer than at the 2003 World Cup (despite a field larger by two teams).
The 16 competing teams were initially divided into four groups, with the two best-performing teams from each group moving on to a "Super 8" format. From this, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and South Africa won through to the semi-finals, with Australia defeating Sri Lanka in the final to win their third consecutive World Cup. Australia's unbeaten record in the tournament increased their total to 29 consecutive World Cup matches without loss, a streak dating back to 23 May 1999, during the group stage of the 1999 World Cup.
Following the tournament the ICC distributed surplus tournament revenues of USD 239 million to its members.
The 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean had what every glamorous event would like to avoid - the death of a coach, a final completed in darkness, early exits of favourites and only a few close matches. All these factors overshadowed Australia's hat-trick of World Cup titles.
| 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup |
|---|
Logo of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup |
| Administrator(s) | International Cricket Council |
| Cricket format | One Day International |
| Tournament format(s) | Round robin and knockout |
| Host(s) |  West Indies |
| Champions |  Australia (4th title) |
| Participants | 16 (from 97 entrants) |
| Matches played | 51 |
| Attendance | 672,000 (13,176 per match) |
| Man of the Series | Glenn McGrath |
| Most runs | Matthew Hayden (659) |
| Most wickets | Glenn McGrath (26) |
Host selection
The World Cup was awarded to the West Indies via the International Cricket Council's rotational policy. It is the first time the Cricket World Cup has been held in the Caribbean despite the fact that the West Indies cricket team have been the second most successful team in past World Cups.
The United States contingent lobbied strongly for matches to be staged at its newly built cricket ground in Lauderhill, Florida, but the ICC decided to award all matches to Caribbean nations. Bids from Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a second bid by Jamaica were also rejected.