Now, there were hardly any Chak de moments during cricket's biggest extravaganza. The World Cup was thrown into turmoil by a death, that of Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer.
Murder or a death by natural causes, the answer may never be known. But the cricket was dealt a body blow thanks to the early exits of India and Pakistan.
The entire tournament was played overshadowed by Bob Woolmer's death, while the early exit of India and Pakistan hurt not just the fans but also the organisers and the coffers of the International Cricket Council.
There were some unforgettable moments though, like Herschelle Gibbs' six sixes, Lasith Malinga's four off four, and above all, Australia's awe-inspiring campaign.
5. Gibbs' 6 sixes
A 47-day-long world cup that too in the middle of the night in India, but if you stayed awake, this was one of the highlights Herschelle Gibbs gives us one of its best moments, smashing Daan Van Bunge for six consecutive sixes.
But his team South Africa would see some 'Lasith' surgery later in the tournament, as Malinga became the first bowler in international cricket to take four wickets off four balls.
4. Retirements - Lara, Inzamam and Mcgrath
It was a world cup dominated by retirements - Brian Lara was uninspiring. He only managed to take his side till the super eights - a sad end to one of the greatest players of all time.
Inzamam did worse. Pakistan made a first round exit. He quit ODIs and stepped down from the Test captaincy as well, only returning to play a farewell series against South Africa.
But Pigeon flew into the sunset in grand style, Glenn McGrath was the player of the tournament proving once again that Aussies time their retirements with precision and perfection.
3. Gilchrist Innings in the final and final fiasco
The best innings of the tournament came in the final and from the best team in the world. Adam Gilchrist showed just why Australia are so feared. His 149 off 103 balls stunned Sri Lanka and gave the Aussies a third consecutive world cup title.
The farcical tournament however came to an end with another blooper - an umpiring controversy that ensured the final three overs were played in darkness.
2. India crashing out
At two, the fall of the two towers. India and Pakistan saw their dreams evaporating in the very first round. Rahul Dravid's side lost to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka without putting up a fight.
While Ireland showed Pakistan that they may have been the world cup's spring chickens, but their chicken dance could rattle the best. And that meant the much-anticipated Indo-Pak showdown featured Ireland and Bangladesh instead!
1. Woolmer's death - Still a mystery
It was a tournament dooomed after this death, Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer was found dead in his room the day Pakistan were knocked out and everybody's worst fears came true after this announcement.
Sadly, the inquest nine months later returned an open verdict, apparently it was not murder but enough confusion still to ensure that the truth may never be known. Will the truth ever be known?
Top 5 World Cup moments
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