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.
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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.
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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.
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Kris Srikkanth was the only batsman to show some resistance with 38 off 57 balls. He was helped by Mohinder Amarnath and Sandeep Patil.
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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.
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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.