Madan Lal is one of the heroes of the epoch-making 1983 World Cup campaign for India. This World Cup win ushered in a new era in Indian cricket and the journey of greatness started from there. Madan Lal was impressive for India throughout the tournament, particularly in the final. He was an important player for India in the ODI format because he could make a difference with both his batting and bowling. Moving further we will focus on some of his major performances for India in the 50-over format.
1. 3/31 vs West Indies, 1983
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the most iconic bowling performance from Madan Lal in One-day cricket. India reached the final of the 1983 World Cup and the mighty West Indies were waiting for the Indians. The Indian team could only manage to post 183 runs on the board in the first innings. Now, a miraculous bowling performance was the need of the hour from the Indian bowlers if India had to live the dream of becoming world champions. A rebellious Madan Lal after being battered, took the ball from his captain and bowled a spell that etched India’s name in the history books. He dismissed the likes of Desmond Haynes, Viv Richards, and Larry Gomes to weaken West Indies’ run chase. Courtesy of this bowling effort India prevented West Indies from chasing the target and lifted the World Cup eventually.
2. 4/20 vs Australia, 1983
Here is another match-winning bowling spell from Madan Lal in the 1983 World Cup. India faced Australia in the group stage and it was a big challenge for India to trounce the Aussies. Batting first India posted a tricky target of 248 runs which also gave the Indian bowlers a chance to test the resolve of Australian batters. After success in the initial overs, Madan Lal chipped in by cleaning up the opposition middle order as he dismissed Allan Border, Rod Marsh, and Ken MacLeay. In the end, India restricted Australia to 129 runs and won the match by a huge margin of 118 runs.
3. 4/37 vs New Zealand, 1985
Madan Lal had a knack for performing on big occasions. It was he who carried India to the final of the Benson & Hedges World Championship with this bowling performance that he delivered in the semi-final of the tournament against New Zealand. Sunil Gavaskar won the toss and invited New Zealand to bat first. The Indian bowlers were on the top right from the start. Madan Lal later strengthened India’s position with his 4 wickets which included the key dismissals of Martin Crowe and Ian Smith. New Zealand could only accumulate 206 runs in the first innings which was easily chased by India in the second innings.
Also read: Ajantha Mendis’ top 3 bowling performances in ODIs