This moment of glory was more than just a victory on the pitch; it was a historic event that sparked a national interest in cricket
On this day, 41 years ago, Kapil Dev led the Indian cricket team to an improbable and historic triumph in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, defeating the dominant West Indies in the final at Lord's Cricket Ground. Kapil Dev's iconic image of lifting the World Cup trophy at Lord's will live forever in the hearts of Indian cricket fans. This moment of glory was more than just a victory on the pitch; it was a historic event that sparked a national interest in cricket.
Kapil Dev's unforgettable innings of 175 not out against Zimbabwe in the 1983 Cricket World Cup is legendary
In their opening match against West Indies at Old Trafford, Manchester, on June 9, 1983, India posted a competitive total of 262/8, with Yashpal Sharma's brilliant 89 leading the charge. Their bowling attack then restricted West Indies to 228 all-out, securing a 34-run victory – India announced its arrival in style.
Two days later, India faced Zimbabwe at Grace Road, Leicester. Bowling first, Madan Lal and Roger Binny starred with the ball, bundling out Zimbabwe for 155. India comfortably chased the target with 135 balls to spare, winning by five wickets.
However, Australia halted their unbeaten streak at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on June 13. Despite Kapil Dev's heroic 5-wicket haul, India faltered in the chase of Australia's mammoth 320/9, losing by 162 runs.
In their fourth group match against West Indies at Kennington Oval, London, on June 15, India faced a formidable target of 283. Despite a valiant effort from Mohinder Amarnath and Kapil Dev, India fell short by 66 runs, unable to chase down the total.
India rebounded in their penultimate group game against Zimbabwe at Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, on June 18. Kapil Dev's iconic 175 lifted India from a precarious 17/5 to 266/8. Zimbabwe fought hard but fell short by 31 runs, ending their World Cup hopes.
In their final group encounter against Australia at County Ground, Chelmsford, on June 20, India needed a win to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Batting first, they posted 247, with Madan Lal and Roger Binny sharing eight wickets to bowl Australia out for 129, securing a crucial 118-run victory. The underdogs with zero expectations marched into the semi-finale.
On English soil, India faced hosts England with thousands of home supporters at Old Trafford, Manchester on June 22. Opting to bowl first, India's bowlers, led by Kapil Dev, restricted England to 213, setting up a challenging target. In response, Yashpal Sharma's 61 and Mohinder Amarnath's 46 guided India to a comfortable 6-wicket win, sealing their spot in the final.
Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath are smiling while holding the trophy
Kapil Dev won the toss and chose to bat first but faced an early setback with Andy Roberts dismissing Sunil Gavaskar for just two runs. Kris Srikkanth steadied the innings with 38 off 57 balls, setting a foundation amid regular wickets falling.
Mohinder Amarnath scored 26 off 80 balls, while Yashpal Sharma and Sandeep Patil contributed 11 and 27 runs, respectively. Kapil Dev added a quick 15 off eight balls. Despite their efforts, India managed only 183 runs as the West Indian bowlers, led by Andy Roberts with three wickets for 32 runs, proved relentless.
Indian team celebrates their win against West Indies at Lords
Chasing 184, the West Indies started poorly, with Gordon Greenidge bowled for one by Balwinder Sandhu. Desmond Haynes fell to Madan Lal after scoring 13. The game-changing moment came when Kapil Dev caught Viv Richards off Madan Lal for 33.
Players snatch the stumps and dash as fans swarm the pitch
The West Indies middle order collapsed under pressure. Captain Clive Lloyd managed eight runs, caught by Kapil Dev off Roger Binny. Despite resistance from Jeff Dujon (25), Mohinder Amarnath's three wickets for 12 runs and Madan Lal's three wickets secured India's historic 43-run victory, bowling out the West Indies for 140.
India had done the impossible and the most highlighting part of that victory was that India forced cricket historian David Edward Frith, the founder-editor of Wisden Cricket Monthly, to eat his own words. Frith had made a comment that a team like India should have never been allowed to participate in such a prestigious competition.
INDIA MADE ME EAT MY WORDS
In the September issue of Wisden, a picture of Frith was published with a piece of paper in his mouth. The caption read – INDIA MADE ME EAT MY WORDS.
