1. India vs West Indies, World Cup Final 1983, Lord’s
When it comes to most successful World Cup cameos in the history, India is one nation to be discussed the most. Back in 1970s and 80s, West Indies were considered as aberrant due to their firm gameplay. Indians were certainly believed to be the underdogs in the tournament, as their weaknesses had been exposed several times in the past. Kapil Dev’s 175 against Zimbabwe in a knockout match, gave India the confidence to win the World Cup. On the other hand, West Indies had won the previous 2 World Cups and were on the verge of a hat trick. India’s casual ramble initially in the World Cup turned out to be a dream come true when they qualified for the final against West Indies. After electing to field, the gigantic West Indians pulverised the Indian batting order, therefore bowling them out on 183. As the West Indies Indian innings started, Balwinder Singh Sandhu bowled Gordon Greenidge out in his 2nd over with what is regarded as the “Dream Ball” by Kapil Dev. Next batsman on the crease was West Indian skipper Vivian Richards who at that time had the reputation of unyieldingly muscling the bowlers. He was all over the Indian bowlers, when Kapil Dev caught him in an unorthodox way on the extra cover. The bowlers were in complete possession of the game, with the tale exposed. Mohinder Amarnath ended the West Indian innings dismissing Michael Holding and India hence became the 1st nation apart from West Indies to lift the World Cup. India’s heroic World Cup campaign in 1983 truly became an inspiration for cricketers of the next generation.
