The fifth Cricket World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand. The final was played between Pakistan and England in Melbourne, Australia. Pakistan made 249 runs in 50 overs for 6 Wickets, compared to England's total of 227 runs in 49.2 all out. Pakistan won by 22 Runs, the first time they became World Champions.
Trivia
- This was the fifth World Cup event and the first cricket World Cup tournament held in the Southern hemisphere. It was also the first tournament to feature an African Test nation, South Africa.
- This was the first time day/night matches was used and the first tournament to use white cricket balls and colored team uniforms.
- The leading run scorer of the tournament was Martin Crowe of New Zealand with 456 runs.
- The leading wicket taker of the tournament was Wasim Akram of Pakistan with 16 wickets.
- The format for this tournament changed from previous years. All teams were in one group and played each other once, rather than in two groups. The top four qualified for the knockout stage which was contested in similar fashion to the previous events.