Cricket World Cup: 5 times when favourites won the title

#1 Australia, 2015

Australia won their fifth title in 2015

Australia was on the top form prior to the tournament and was ranked first in the ODI rankings.

They had already run over India and England to win the tri-series ahead of the World Cup. The home conditions coalesced an added advantage as Australia were the pre-tournament favourites.

Australia was clinical right from the word go and lost just a match in the group stage against co-host New Zealand by a narrow 1-wicket margin.

In the quarter-final, they defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets.

After a nightmarish Australian summer, defending champions India managed to reach the semi-final of the World Cup where they met Australia who was eager to avenge their 2011 quarterfinal loss.

Steve Smith and Aaron Finch guided Australia to 328-7 chasing which India could manage only 233.

In a Trans-Tasman final, Australia ripped off New Zealand's batting order as they got out for a paltry 183 in their maiden final appearance.

Australia chased the target with 7 wickets and more than 16 overs to spare thus living up to the favourites tag.

Australia won the World Cup title for a record fifth time and became the most successful team in the World Cup history.