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1975 Cricket World Cup: The Inaugural ODI Tournament — A Detailed Summary

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The 1975 Cricket World Cup, officially known as the Prudential Cup, was the first-ever One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament and marked a revolutionary moment in the sport’s history. Held in England between June 7 and June 21, 1975, the tournament brought together 8 teams in a 60-over per side format—a much longer version of today’s 50-over matches—and introduced the world to the spectacle of limited-overs cricket on the grandest stage.

Participating Teams and Format

Eight teams participated, split into two groups of four:

Group AGroup B
EnglandWest Indies
IndiaAustralia
East Africa*Pakistan
New ZealandSri Lanka

*East Africa was a combined team from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Each team played the others in its group once. The top two teams from each group progressed to the semi-finals, leading up to the final at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Group Stage: Intense Battles and Surprising Results

Group A Standings

TeamPlayedWonLostPoints
England3306
New Zealand3214
India3122
East Africa3030

England was the dominant force in Group A, winning all their matches with their solid batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack. New Zealand’s strong showing, including a stunning win over India, ensured their progression.

India, however, disappointed many fans with inconsistent performances, famously struggling in the match against England where they scored just 132 runs in their full 60 overs—a painfully slow innings by modern standards.

Group B Standings

TeamPlayedWonLostPoints
West Indies3306
Australia3214
Pakistan3122
Sri Lanka3030

West Indies topped the group unbeaten, showcasing their powerful batting and pace bowling. Australia secured their semi-final spot comfortably, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka struggled to find form.

Semi-Finals: High Drama and Star Performances

Semi-final 1: Australia vs England (June 18, 1975)

  • England innings: 229 all out (55.5 overs)
  • Top scorer: Dennis Amiss 56 runs
  • Australia innings: 230/6 (55 overs)
  • Result: Australia won by 4 wickets

The first semi-final was a tense encounter. England set a competitive total, led by Dennis Amiss. Australia’s chase was paced expertly, with Ian Chappell anchoring the innings. The highlight was Gary Gilmour’s phenomenal bowling spell (6 wickets for 14 runs), which nearly bowled England out cheaply. Australia’s successful chase set up a final clash with the West Indies.

Semi-final 2: West Indies vs New Zealand (June 19, 1975)

  • New Zealand innings: 158 all out (55.3 overs)
  • West Indies innings: 161/5 (39.2 overs)
  • Result: West Indies won by 5 wickets

The West Indies bowled New Zealand out cheaply, thanks to their lethal pace attack. The chase was comfortable, with openers Gordon Greenidge and Roy Fredericks setting the tone.

The Historic Final: West Indies vs Australia at Lord’s

On June 21, 1975, a packed Lord’s witnessed cricket history as the first ODI World Cup final unfolded between two cricketing giants.

West Indies Innings

  • Total: 291/8 in 60 overs
  • Top scorer: Clive Lloyd 102 runs off 85 balls
  • Notable performances: Rohan Kanhai (55 runs)

Clive Lloyd’s innings was the defining moment of the tournament. His explosive century was a perfect blend of timing, power, and control, smashing boundaries at crucial moments to lift his team to a formidable total. Lloyd’s leadership was equally impressive, inspiring the Caribbean side to maintain their aggressive approach.

Australia Innings

  • Total: 274 all out in 58.4 overs
  • Top scorer: Ian Chappell 62 runs
  • Bowling hero: Gary Gilmour (5 wickets for 48 runs)

Australia fought hard in their chase, with Ian Chappell anchoring the innings. However, consistent wickets and the pressure of the occasion eventually led to their downfall. Gary Gilmour, who had already made waves in the semi-final, bowled a superb spell, claiming five wickets to restrict Australia.

Result

West Indies won by 17 runs and became the first-ever Cricket World Cup champions. Clive Lloyd was deservedly named Man of the Match for his match-winning century.

Key Players and Their Impact

Top Run-Scorer of the Tournament

PlayerTeamRunsMatchesAverage
Glenn TurnerNew Zealand3334166.5

Turner’s elegant batting was the highlight for New Zealand. Despite their semi-final loss, he stood out as the highest run-getter in the tournament.

Top Wicket-Taker of the Tournament

PlayerTeamWicketsMatches
Gary GilmourAustralia112

Gilmour’s remarkable 11 wickets came in just two matches (semi-final and final), including a stunning 6/14 against England, one of the finest bowling performances in World Cup history.

Most Famous Player

Clive Lloyd (West Indies)

  • The charismatic captain and power hitter was the face of the tournament. His leadership and that explosive final innings earned him legendary status. Lloyd’s century in the final remains one of the greatest ODI innings ever played.

Fun & Historical Facts

  • Matches were played during the day using traditional white clothing and red balls.
  • The 60-over format with 8-ball overs (different from today’s 50-over matches) made the games longer and more strategic.
  • India’s slow scoring against England (36 not out off 174 balls by Sunil Gavaskar) is still cited as an example of defensive ODI batting.
  • East Africa’s team was a unique combined team representing several African nations.
  • The tournament set the foundation for future World Cups and popularized ODI cricket globally.

Sample Scorecard: The 1975 Final

West Indies BattingRunsBallsFoursSixes
Clive Lloyd (c)1028572
Rohan Kanhai557040
Alvin Kallicharran405031
Viv Richards333651
Others (combined)61
Total (60 overs)291/8
Australia BowlingOversMaidensRunsWickets
Dennis Lillee122402
Gary Gilmour123485
Max Walker121531
Others (combined)

Australia BattingRunsBallsFoursSixes
Ian Chappell (c)629250
Ian Redpath529540
Ross Edwards507061
Others (combined)110
Total (58.4 overs)274 all out
West Indies BowlingOversMaidensRunsWickets
Andy Roberts123382
Michael Holding122502
Lance Gibbs121522
Others (combined)

Conclusion

The 1975 Cricket World Cup was much more than just a tournament; it was a cultural milestone that changed cricket forever. The West Indies’ dominance, Gary Gilmour’s magical bowling spells, and the advent of limited-overs international cricket combined to create an unforgettable sporting spectacle. It laid the groundwork for what would become the most popular and eagerly awaited cricket event worldwide.

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