1998-99
Venue: Bangladesh Winners: South Africa Runners-Up: West IndiesThe tournament was held in Bangladesh’s Bangabandhu Stadium, which was cricket’s new found ‘Mecca’ then. Most of the participating countries were suspect about the format and the slow and low pitches did not help either. South Africa under Hansie Cronje were the favourites and they did justice to that tag for once by lifting the trophy. A spirited West Indian side beat India in the semi-finals to reach their first major final after 1983, but finished second best to the Proteas.
2000-2001
Venue: Kenya Winners: New Zealand Runners-Up: IndiaThe Nairobi Gymkhana Club was the venue for the second edition and it proved better than the previous one. The tournament could not generate spectator interest in the African nation, but the action on the field was more than satisfying. The knock-out format saw a spirited Indian team under Sourav Ganguly beat the mighty Aussies in the quarters and then South Africa to reach the final. The Kiwis stunned Pakistan in the semis to enter the summit clash as underdogs. Buoyed by a Chris Cairns century, the Kiwis chased down the Indian total to come up trumps.
2002-2003
Venue: Sri Lanka Winners: India and Sri LankaThe tournament was shifted from India to the Lankan island after the government declined tax exemptions. It was the first to have a round robin format.
India peaked at the right time and after a tough battle against South Africa in the semis, they squared off against the hosts in the final. The Lankans on their part had done well to rout the Aussies in the semis.
The final was a mockery as it could not produce a result after more than 100 overs and 2 days of cricket. Tropical storm abandoned the match on both days.
2004
Venue: England Winners: West Indies Runners-Up: EnglandThe tournament was held in England and most matches were rain-affected. The inclusion of USA and pointless matches against the minnows meant spectator interest was minimal.
The Aussies were a casualty to England in the semis while West Indies got to their second final by beating Pakistan
The final will be remembered for the match winning 9th wicket partnership between Courtney Brown and Ian Bradshaw that saw Brian Lara’s men triumph at The Oval in near pitch darkness.
2006
Venue: India Winners: Australia Runners-Up: West IndiesThe all conquering Aussies finally added the only piece of silverware missing from their cupboard. The tournament was held at 4 venues in India and the last 4teams in the ICC rankings had to play a round robin to qualify for the quarter final group stage.
Australia beat traditional rivals New Zealand to reach the finals for the first time while the Windies surprised everyone with their second consecutive final appearance after beating South Africa.
The final though was a one sided affair as Ponting’s men shot out the Windies cheaply and then won by D/L method.
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