Just like the 1975 ODI World Cup, the next edition in 1979 was held in England. West Indies entered the tournament as a defending champion. The tournament had a total of 8 teams (Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Canada). Canada was making its debut. The tournament was held from June 9 to June 23, 1979.
All eight teams were divided into two groups. The defending champion was part of Group B with New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and India. Meanwhile, Group A had Australia, England, Pakistan, and Canada. The top two teams from both groups qualify for the semis. It started with West Indies played against India at the Edgbaston, Birmingham.
West Indies journey in 1979 ODI World Cup
Just like the 1975 edition, West Indies was undefeated in the 1979 tournament as well. They played the first match of the tournament against India on June 9 at Edgbaston. West Indies dismissed India for 190 runs in 53.1 overs with Michael Holding taking four wickets. Chasing the target, Sir Gordon Greenidge scored 106 not out, and West Indies made 194/1 to win their first game by nine wickets. Then, their second game against Sri Lanka at Kennington Oval, London, got washed out due to rain, leaving both teams with two points each. The third game against New Zealand was a must-win contest for the defending champion.
And that’s how they played. West Indies made 244/7 batting first. Sir Gordon Greenidge (65) and Sir Clive Lloyd (73*) were the top scorers. Chasing the target, New Zealand couldn’t chase the score and made 212/9 and lost by 32 runs. This win helped the West Indies top their group with 10 points. Then, in the semi-final, the West Indies locked horns with Pakistan on June 20 at Kennington Oval, London. Batting first, West Indies scored 293/6 in their first inning. Sir Gordon Greenidge scored his third successive 50-plus score and made 73 runs, while Desmond Haynes made 65.
Pakistan had a great start with Majid Khan (81) and Zaheer Abbas (93), but they fell short by 43 runs and got all out for 250. With this win, West Indies made to their second successive final. However, the final was against England, who was also undefeated in the tournament. The final took place at Lord’s on June 23. Batting first, the West Indies lost their in-form opener Gordon Greenidge (9) early. But that was the time when Sir Viv Richards stood tall and scored a brilliant century. He made 138 not out, while Collis King supported him well for his 86. West Indies made 286 and dismissed England for 194 to lift their second ODI World Cup.
West Indies Squad for the 1979 World Cup
Clive Lloyd (captain), Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Deryck Murray (wk), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Larry Gomes, Faoud Bacchus, Malcolm Marshall
West Indies Roadmap to 1979 World Cup Final
| Match | Against | Venue | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | India | Edgbaston | June 09, Sat | Won by 9 wkts |
| Group | Sri Lanka | Kennington Oval | June 13, Wed | Match abandoned |
| Group | New Zealand | Trent Bridge | June 16, Sat | Won by 32 runs |
| Semi-final | Pakistan | Kennington Oval | June 20, Wed | Won by 43 runs |
| Final | England | Lord’s | June 23, Sat | Won by 92 runs |
WI Most Runs in 1979 World Cup
| Batter | Mts | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordon Greenidge | 4 | 253 | 106* | 84.33 | 1 | 2 |
| Viv Richards | 4 | 217 | 138* | 108.50 | 1 | 0 |
| Desmond Haynes | 4 | 144 | 65 | 36.00 | 0 | 1 |
| Collis King | 4 | 132 | 86 | 44.00 | 0 | 1 |
| Clive Lloyd | 4 | 123 | 73* | 61.50 | 0 | 1 |
WI Most Wickets in World Cup 1979
| Bowler | Mts | Wkts | BBI | Econ | 4s | 5s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Holding | 4 | 8 | 4/33 | 2.5/8 | 1 | 0 |
| Colin Croft | 4 | 8 | 3/29 | 3.25 | 0 | 0 |
| Joel Garner | 4 | 8 | 5/38 | 6.65 | 0 | 1 |
| Andy Roberts | 4 | 7 | 3/43 | 3.77 | 0 | 0 |
| Viv Richards | 4 | 3 | 3/52 | 4.83 | 0 | 0 |