World Cup History: Five instances when the tournament champion had a 100% win percentage 

ICC Cricket World Cup, the mega-event of cricket takes place once in every four years. The tournament's 12th edition is underway currently with the world's top 10 cricketing nations taking part in this tourney. A lot of teams have tried their best to capture the World Cup trophy but only 5 have been successful in fulfilling their dreams.

To win the world championship, a team needs to play cricket with utmost dedication and character. In tournaments like the World Cup, a big win can help the team garner a ton of momentum while a huge loss can kill the confidence of the players. Hence, the winning team should look to maintain their momentum as long as the day of the finale arrives.

There have been 5 instances in World Cup history that the winners had a 100% win percentage in the entire tournament. Here's a look at all of them.

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#5 Australia - 2003

The final wicket of Zaheer Khan of India, caught by Darren Lehmann

1999 World Cup champions, Australia had established themselves as one of the biggest powerhouses of world cricket until the 2003 World Cup arrived. They had legends like Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hogg, Glenn McGrath, Darren Lehmann, Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds, Andy Bichel, Matthew Hayden, Micheal Bevan and Brett Lee in their squad.

The Aussies were a part of Group A along with India, Zimbabwe, England, Pakistan, Netherlands and Namibia. The Men in Yellow ran through every opposition in the group stage to emerge as the table toppers of Group A. They then defeated Kenya, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Super Sixes to enter the semifinals undefeated.

In the 1st semifinal, they overcame Sri Lanka by 48 runs before crushing India in the final by 91 runs to win their third ICC World Cup trophy.

#4 Australia - 2007

ICC Cricket World Cup Final - Australia v Sri Lanka

Three time champions Australia had built an undefeated streak in the World Cups and every team of the world feared playing the Australian team especially in the World Cups. In the first ever World Cup hosted by West Indies, defending champions Australia had a smooth run in the group stage where they bulldozed Scotland, Netherlands and South Africa.

In the Super 8 stage, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, England, West Indies, Ireland and Bangladesh tried to defeat Australia in their respective matches but none of them succeeded.

First placed Australia decimated the fourth placed South Africa by handing them a 7-wicket loss in the semifinals before winning the final against Sri Lanka by 53 runs. Australia became the second team in World Cup history to win two consecutive World Cups with a win percentage of 100.

#3 West Indies - 1975

Clive Llyod with the 1975 World Cup trophy

West Indies announced themselves to the cricket world with a solid performance in the first ever Cricket World Cup, which was played in the year 1975. Clive Llyod's men made history by becoming the first team to win the ICC World Cup in 1975. The most interesting part of that World Cup win was that West Indies emerged as the undisputed champions defeating every team coming in their path.

They kicked off their 1975 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive win over Sri Lanka before they won a close match against Pakistan. They defeated Australia by 7 wickets to build an undefeated streak which was carried forward in the knockouts. The Windies won their semifinal encounter against New Zealand by 5 wickets.

In the big final, they won a nail biting match against Australia by 17 runs. The West Indian bowlers played a major role in the team's first ever World Cup triumph.

#2 West Indies - 1979

West Indies maintained their 100% win record at the World Cups

Clive Llyod's men maintained their unbeaten record at the mega-event of world cricket with a memorable World Cup campaign in the year 1979. In the 2nd edition of the Cricket World Cup, West Indies were a part of Group B along with India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. They won their first match against India by 9 wickets before their match against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain (the same problem existed in England 40 years ago as well!)

In their final group match, West Indies sealed the top spot with a 32-run win against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. In the semifinals, West Indies defeated Pakistan by 43 runs before winning their second World Cup trophy with a commanding victory over hosts England in the final.

West Indies lost their first ever World Cup match to India in a group match of the 1983 World Cup. Their next loss also came against the same opposition, when India overcame the Caribbeans in the World Cup final.

#1 Sri Lanka - 1996

Sri Lanka won their first World Cup in 1996

When the World Cup returned to the subcontinent in 1996, the fans expected India and Pakistan to dominate all the other teams. However, the third Asian team of the competition, Sri Lanka surprised everyone by winning the competition. They were a part of Group A along with Australia, India, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Australia and West Indies forfeited their matches against Sri Lanka because of the unrest in the country whilst the Lankans registered victories over the other three teams. They then defeated England and India in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively to progress to the final.

With the former champions Australia looking in red hot form, not many backed Sri Lanka to win the match. However, a special innings from Aravinda de Silva fulfilled the Islanders' dream of winning the World Cup. History was made at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as Sri Lanka became the first Asian country to win the World Cup with a 100% win record.