39-years-ago, on 23 June 1979, West Indies secured their second World Cup trophy after beating England in the final game at Lord’s (London).
It was the second cricket World Cup, known as Prudential Cup ’79, and for the second time, the Caribbean team won the World Cup under Clive Lloyd’s captaincy. Just like 1975 World Cup, West Indies was unbeaten in the 1979 edition.
England, who reached the World Cup final for the first time, won the toss and decided to field first. In-form Caribbean opener Gordon Greenidge departed cheaply for just 9 runs while another opener Desmond Haynes scored 20 runs before getting caught out.
Further, Alvin Kallicharran and skipper Clive Lloyd were also dismissed cheaply as West Indies was struggling on 99/4.
Sir Viv Richards and Collis King provided an important 139-run partnership for the fifth wicket and controlled the innings very well. King played a fast knock while Viv scored a remarkable century.
King was dismissed after scoring 86 runs off 66 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes. While West Indies suffered a late batting collapse, Viv secured a good total for the team with his unbeaten 138 runs knock off 157 balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes. At the end of 60 overs, West Indies managed to put 286/9 on the board.
Among the English bowlers, Sir Ian Botham (2/44), Mike Hendrick (2/50), Chris Old (2/55) and Phil Edmonds (2/40) bagged two wickets each.
In reply, England had a very good start as their openers Mike Brearley and Geoff Boycott provided a 129-run partnership. Skipper Brearley scored 64 runs off 130 balls (7 fours) while Boycott was dismissed in quick succession after scoring 57 runs off 105 balls (3 fours).
Later, Derek Randall (15 runs) and Graham Gooch (32 runs) put a 48-run partnership for the third wicket. But once their partnership was broken, England innings suffered a massive batting collapse that destroyed their World Cup dream. From 183/2, England was suddenly bowled out for just 194 runs in 51 overs as West Indies won by 92 runs.
Among the West Indies bowlers, Joel Garner picked up five wickets as his impressive bowling figure was 11-0-38-5. Also, Colin Croft (3/42) and Michael Holding (2/16) scalped three and two wickets respectively.
Sir Viv Richards won the Player of the Match award for his remarkable batting performance in the crucial game.
Brief Scores: West Indies – 286/9 in 60 overs (Sir Viv Richards 138*, Collis King 86, Phil Edmonds 2/40)
England – 194 in 51 overs (Mike Brearley 64, Geoff Boycott 57, Joel Garner 5/38)
Result – West Indies won by 92 runs
