Hyderabad, India: The 2nd World Cup had no surprises again, except Sri Lanka becoming the first Associate nation team to beat test playing nation (India). West Indies duly completed the formality of lifting the World Cup for 2nd consecutive time.
1979 World Cup: Matches and Results
1979 World Cup Statistics
About 1975 World Cup
England and New Zealand again appeared strong to fight for 2nd position, England reached the final. Kerry Packer forced Australia to send second string team that did well to win at least one of their 3 group matches before packing off to home. Canada produced the then smallest team total of World Cup.
Pakistan grew stronger and reached semifinals. India slumped further down failing to win even a single match losing even to an associate nation. Although by World Cup record Sri Lanka was much better than India. Anyone remembers how Sri Lankans were on their winning course in the 1975 World Cup, against the then finalist Australia before the lightening duo of Lilliee and Thomson sent their some batsmen to hospital and others out of ground on stretcher!
1975 World Cup saw close matches, except the three against Canada. Semifinals saw the narrowest victory by runs (9 runs). Another semifinal (WI vs Pak) and final (WI vs Eng) saw a perfect run chase before a sudden fall of remaining wickets. In both the matches West Indies emerged winner.
Richards, Greenidge and Haynes rose in the World order providing more talent from the carribeans to torment the bowlers around the world, as if Lloyd and co were not enough. Only 2 centuries and 2 five-wkt haul could be produced. For the second consecutive tournament final saw a century. Kerry Packer effect was visible on almost every good team. The Cricketing World left 1979 World Cup with a big question.
Who will stop West Indies to win 3rd consecutive title in 1983 Prudential World Cup!!
About 1975 World Cup
1979 World Cup: Matches and Results
1979 World Cup Statistics
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