The first-ever cricket match was played in 1877 between Australia and England. But it took almost a decade to host the World Cup in this game. The first ever cricket world cup was held in England in June 1975. This was the first ever multi-national tournament, which was known as the Prudential Cup ’75. And it was West Indies that became the first ever team to win the biggest tournament in this sport.
The 1975 World Cup began on June 7, 1975, with four matches taking place at the same time. A total of eight teams took part in the tournament. Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and East Africa feature in the inaugural edition. West Indies was placed in Group B, along with Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
West Indies journey in 1975 ODI World Cup
On June 7, the West Indies faced Sri Lanka in their first game of the tournament at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford. Earlier, the matches used to be played for 60-over per side. Batting first, Sri Lanka got all out for just 86 runs, and West Indies chased it down in 20.4 overs and made 87/1 to win by 9 wickets. The second and third games were a bit challenging for West Indies, but they won those against Pakistan (1 wicket) and Australia (7 wickets) to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament.
They faced New Zealand in the semi-final of the tournament at Kennington Oval, London, on June 18. It was also a fairly easy game for them as they bowled out New Zealand for 158 runs in 52.2 overs. Bernard Julien took 4/27, and Vanburn Holder took 3/30. Chasing the target, they scored 159/5 in 40.1 overs to win the game and advance to the final. Then the biggest game was against the mighty Australian side in the final at Lord’s.
It was high scoring game and the Caribbean team posted a big total of 291/8 in their first inning. Those days it was a big score. Sir Clive Lloyd scored a brilliant century in the final, making 102 off just 82 balls. Chasing the target, Australia looked in control with some good contribution in the middle. But they lost their way, fell just short by 17 runs, and lost the game. With this win West Indies won the inaugural ODI World Cup in 1975 and scripted history.
West Indies Squad for the 1975 World Cup
Sir Clive Lloyd (captain), Roy Fredericks; Maurice Foster, Lance Gibbs, Keith Boyce, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Sir Viv Richards, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Collis King, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Deryck Murray, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Clyde Walcott (manager)
West Indies Roadmap to 1975 World Cup Final
| Match | Against | Venue | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Sri Lanka | Manchester | June 07, Sat | Won by 9 wkts |
| Group | Pakistan | Birmingham | June 11, Wed | Won by 1 wkt |
| Group | Australia | Kennington Oval | June 14, Sat | Won by 7 wkts |
| Semi-final | New Zealand | Kennington Oval | June 18, Wed | Won by 5 wkts |
| Final | Australia | Lord’s | June 14, Sat | Won by 17 runs |
WI Most Runs in 1975 World Cup
| Batter | Mts | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Turner (NZ) | 4 | 333 | 171* | 166.50 | 2 | 0 |
| Dennis Amiss (ENG) | 4 | 243 | 137 | 60.75 | 1 | 1 |
| Majid Khan (PAK) | 3 | 209 | 84 | 69.66 | 0 | 3 |
| Keith Fletcher (ENG) | 4 | 207 | 131 | 69.00 | 1 | 1 |
| Alan Turner (AUS) | 5 | 201 | 104 | 40.20 | 1 | 0 |
WI Most Wickets in World Cup 1975
| Bowler | Mts | Wkts | BBI | Econ | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Gilmour (AUS) | 2 | 11 | 6/14 | 2.58 | 0 | 2 |
| Bernard Julien (WI) | 5 | 10 | 4/20 | 2.95 | 2 | 0 |
| Keith Boyce (WI) | 5 | 10 | 4/50 | 3.55 | 1 | 0 |
| Dayle Hadlee (NZ) | 4 | 8 | 3/21 | 3.52 | 0 | 0 |
| Andy Roberts (WI) | 5 | 8 | 3/29 | 2.91 | 0 | 0 |