New Delhi:
Exactly 33 years from today, June the 25th, India defeated the then unconquerable Clive Lloyd-led West Indies to win their maiden World Cup trophy, then called the Prudential Cup. The win changed the face of cricket in India which was a hockey powerhouse at that time.
The Indies had won the first two World cups in 1975 and 1979 and were beaming in confidence to complete a hat-trick at Lord’s against underdogs India. India under Kapil Dev had defeated England in the semis to reach the finals first time. In the first two editions, India had won a single match that too against East Africa.
The formidable West Indian pace attack of Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Michael Holding ripped through the Indian batting line-up to restrict them to paltry 183 runs.
Kris Srikkanth was the only batsman to show some resistance with 38 off 57 balls. He was helped by Mohinder Amarnath and Sandeep Patil.
Madan Lal dismissed Desmond Haynes and dangerous Vivan Richards, while Roger Binny got rid of captain Clive Lloyd. Skipper Kapil Dev ran almost 20 yards to take a spectacular catch of Richards, when he was scoring briskly.
It was a historic day for India cricket as they shed off the minnows tag and ended the West Indies dominance in World cup, who have never reached the final till date.
