Hyderabad, India: The first-ever World Cup of Cricket was held in England. With West Indies ruling the Cricket World during those years, there were no surprises when the favorite West Indies became the first winner of World Cup.
1975 World Cup Matches and Results
1975 World Cup Statistics
1979 Prudential World Cup: Revisited
ODIs in its infancy saw the World Cup happening, the same way as Twenty20 had the first World Cup during its infancy. With 6 test playing nations (South Africa was suffering a ban) joined by Sri Lanka and East Africa, the newcomers to the World of Cricket, the first World Cup was difficult for all. East Africa was a combination of players from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
India could not understand the game at all and was unable to shift guard from test matches to ODI. One of the greatest batsman of the era, Suni Gavaskar scored 36* in 60 overs, and India were knocked out at the league stage.
West Indies continued the test-winning performances, outpacing and outbatting all teams. Pakistan, the most dynamic-yet-underdog team almost gave a heart-attack to the West Indies, unless the 10th wicket partnership of 64 runs saw WI home and ultimately became champion.
Overall 8 teams played 15 matches at 6 venues of England. The top two teams from each group (of 4 teams) reached the semifinal. The Winners recieved 4000 pound and the Runners-up received 2000 pounds. Losing semi-finalists received 1000 pounds.
The questions remained aplenty.
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Were Thomson and Lillee wrong in using Bodyline to avoid impending defeat against Sri Lanka!!
What was Gavaskar thinking while holding his wicket for 60 overs scoring just 36 runs!!
Who would have been the man of the series if it was awarded: Glenn Turner, Gilmour or Kallicharran!!
How could Pakistan not take last wicket to upset WI!!
Did debutant Vivian Richards ran Australia out of the tournament?
1975 World Cup Matches and Results
1975 World Cup Statistics
1979 Prudential World Cup: Revisited
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