Everyone remembers the victor. What would victors do if they did not have that worthy opponent? The battle in the final is the battle between the two best teams in the cricketing world so it is not fair to be remembered only the victor rather we should also remember those runner-up teams. So today is a different day and we will discuss the sorrow of the 2nd placeholders of the ICC World Cup.
During the second chronicle, staged on English soil in 1979, that the domicile sovereigns, England, ascended to the final summit. Pitted against the formidable West Indies, England exhibited resolute mettle, yet the West Indian dominion prevailed, with their formidable pace artillery proving insurmountable for the English ensemble.
In the 1983 edition, England faced a different West Indies team, one that had dominated world cricket for years. However, India, led by Kapil Dev, pulled off a shocking upset, restricting the West Indies to a modest total and clinching their first-ever World Cup.
England embarked on their third foray into the final crucible in 1987, only to remain bereft of World Cup splendor. This time, they crossed swords with Australia and, notwithstanding their commendable tally, they were powerless to stymie the ascension of the Antipodean victors.
The 1992 World Cup extravaganza, which unfolded in the realms of Australia and New Zealand, bore witness to England’s return to the grandest stage. However, Pakistan, guided by the charismatic Imran Khan, emerged as the champions, relegating England to runner-up status for the third time in their World Cup odyssey.
In a World Cup hosted by the triumvirate of Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, Australia advanced to the ultimate contest, only to be confronted by a formidable Sri Lankan cadre. Regrettably, they capitulated to the enchantment of Muttiah Muralitharan’s spin wizardry and Aravinda de Silva’s artistry, culminating their campaign as second-placed contenders.
In another England-hosted tournament, Pakistan faced Australia in the final. Despite a valiant effort, Pakistan couldn’t chase down Australia’s target, settling for second place.
The 2003 World Cup extravaganza in South Africa witnessed India’s return to the grand finale, marking their first appearance since their historic triumph in 1983. They encountered Australia, who emerged triumphant in a closely contested denouement.
Sri Lanka reached their second final in 2007, hosted by the West Indies. However, a rain-affected match favored Australia, who clinched their third consecutive World Cup title.
The subcontinent-hosted 2011 World Cup saw Sri Lanka lock horns with India in the summit showdown. India, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, hoisted the coveted trophy, leaving Sri Lanka to bask in the accolade of runners-up for the second time.
The year 2015 bore witness to New Zealand’s inaugural sojourn to the World Cup final, with the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Despite an ardent display of mettle, they could not surmount the Australian juggernaut, ultimately resigning themselves to the runner-up mantle.
In a thrilling final hosted by England and Wales, New Zealand faced England. The final ended in a tie, leading to a dramatic Super Over, which also ended in a tie. England was declared the winner based on boundary count, leaving New Zealand heartbroken as runners-up once again.
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