In History Today :: India won 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup [25th of June 1983 ]

June 25, 2015 :: In History Today :: India won 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup [25^th of June 1983 ]

The final of the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup was played between India and West Indies at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on 25 June 1983. This was the third consecutive World Cup final appearance for West Indies. India playing their first finals defeated the West Indies to claim the title. It was the first world cup win for India.After losing the toss, India were asked to bat first against a West Indies team that arguably boasted the world’s best bowling attack. Only Mohinder Amarnath (26 from 80 balls) and Kris Srikkanth (38 from 57 balls) put up any significant resistance as Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and Michael Holding ripped through the Indian batsmen, ably supported by Gomes. Surprising resistance by the tail allowed India to compile 183 (all out, 54.4 overs). Only three sixes were hits in the Indian innings, one from Srikkanth, one from Sandeep Patil (27 from 29 balls), and one from Madan Lal (17 from 27 balls). However, the Indian bowling exploited the weather and pitch conditions perfectly to bowl out the best batting line-up of the era for 140 from 52 overs in return, winning by 43 runs and completing one of the most stunning upsets in cricket history, defeating the previously invincible West Indies. Amarnath and Madan Lal (3–31) each took three wickets, and one memorable moment was the sight of Kapil Dev running a great distance (about 18–20 yards) to take a catch to dismiss Richards, the West Indies top scorer with 33 from 28 balls. Amarnath was the most economical bowler, conceding just 12 runs from his seven overs while taking 3 wickets, and was once again awarded the Man of the Match award for his all-round performance. There was no “Man of the Series” award in 1983.

When Indian chips were down Kapil Dev said “Team if this is not a winning total its definitely a fighting total” One of the popular quotes of all time.