On this day in 1975: West Indies become the first-ever ODI champions
June 21 is a very special day for the West Indies team and cricket lovers. On this day in the year 1975, the world got the first ODI World Cup champion, when the West Indies team won this global title for the first time. It was then known as the Prudential Cup. Eight teams participated in it. It also included teams from Sri Lanka and East Africa, which did not have Test status. The Windies team defeated Australia by only 17 runs in the final.
Then in the ODI format, instead of 50, 60 overs were bowled. Under the captaincy of Sir Clive Lloyd, the Windies team created history and won the first World Cup trophy. This match was full of excitement.
Chasing a target of 292 runs, the Australian team had scored 233 runs for 8 wickets at one stage. Max Walker was run out on this score and the score became 233 for 9 wickets. After this Jeff Thompson gradually increased the score but he too was run out on the team score of 274 and the Windies team got a chance to celebrate.
Veteran batsman Vivian Richards, who contributed many times to the team’s victory, was able to score only 5 runs in the final. He was bowled by Gilmour but Clive Lloyd scored a century in style. Apart from him, Rohan Kanhai played brilliant innings of 55 runs.
Australia’s bowling was terrific in the final and pacer Gary Gilmour took a total of 5 wickets. Apart from him, Jeff Thompson took 2 wickets. Interestingly, Gilmour played only 5 ODIs in his career.
In this title match played at the historic Lord’s ground, Australia won the toss and decided to field first. The Windies team scored 291 for 8 in 60 overs thanks to the century innings of captain Clive Lloyd (102). After this, the Australian team started well thanks to captain Ian Chappell (62) and opener Alan Turner (40) but the team was all out for 274 runs in 58.4 overs. Pacer Keith Boyce took 4 wickets.
The turning point of the final was three runouts affected by Viv Richards. Chasing a target of 292 runs, Australia had scored 81 for one wicket and were on their way to victory. But Richards turned the tide of the match by first running out Alan Turner and then Chappell brothers Ian and Greg.
