In 1975, West Indies cricket created history as they won the first-ever cricket world cup. West Indies defeated Australia in the finals at Lord’s and lifted the World Cup. On its 45th anniversary, the legendary West Indies player Sir Vivian Richards recalled the amazing day. Known as the Prudential Cup back in the day West Indies skipper Clive Llyod led from the front in the final.
Australia after winning the toss elected to bowl first. Richards got out cheaply as he was dismissed for just 5 runs. West Indies recovered and their batsmen put on a great show as they ended with a total of 291 for eight. Skipper Clive Llyod scored 102 runs off just 85 balls and put his side in the driver’s seat. For Australia fast bowler Gary Gilmour picked a five-wicket haul and ended the world cup as the leading wicket-taker.
Viv Richards recalls 1975 World Cup triumph
While chasing the target Australia was placed comfortably on the back of Alen Turner and Ian Chappell knocks of 40 and 62 respectively. However, it all changed when Richards executed three run-outs in the final including Turner and Chappell who were taking the game away from the West Indies.
In the end, the men from the Caribbean wrapped up the match by 17 runs and lifted the prudential cup. In the 12 editions so far of the 50 over world cup, West Indies along with India have managed to win the world cup twice. Whereas Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka have all won it once. Australia has dominated the world cups and has emerged champions for a record 5 times.
On the 45th anniversary of the iconic, triumph, Viv Richards took to microblogging site Twitter to recall the fond memories.
Viv Richards tweeted, “45 Years to this iconic moment at the @HomeOfCricket. What a moment, what a feeling it was when the skipper lifted that trophy. First-ever Men’s World Champions! Though I couldn’t contribute with the bat, my fielding did recoup it I guess @windiescricket.”
45 Years to this iconic moment at the @HomeOfCricket. What a moment, what a feeling it was when the skipper lifted that trophy. First ever Men's World Champions!
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) June 21, 2020
Though I couldn't contribute with the bat, my fielding did recoup it I guess 😉 @windiescricket pic.twitter.com/yPrOPiGcEB
