One of the most iconic moments of the last decade in cricket would definitely be Mahendra Singh Dhoni hitting a six to win the 2011 ODI Cricket World Cup and them twirling his bat in style. India emerged champions of the format for the first time since 1983 and it was only the second time, after Sri Lanka in 1996, that a host country won the event.
The significance of home advantage changed completely after that. For after India’s success, the next two World Cups in 2015 and 2019 were also won by host nations.
The 2015 World Cup final was in fact played by the two host nations, Australia and New Zealand, and was won by Australia, which hosted the final.
The 2019 World Cup was won by England, even though no team lost in the final. With both England and New Zealand tied after the scheduled 50 overs and the Super Over, the hosts were declared winners owing to a queer boundary countback rule.
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