On this day (June 25) in 1983, the Indian cricket team announced their arrival and took their first step to boss the game for years to come by winning their maiden international title. Entering the World Cup as underdogs, Kapil Dev-led Team India went on to stun the two-time champions West Indies in the final at Lord’s.
India may have booked their trip to England to get some exposure. But they didn’t believe in themselves until they started their campaign with a 34-run win against the mighty West Indies. Their confidence was boosted when they beat Zimbabwe by five wickets with 135 balls to spare in their second match of the tournament.
However, Australia halted India’s winning momentum with a massive 162-run win. The Asian side saw their hopes diminished as West Indies took revenge with a 66-run win in the subsequent game. India’s next match was against Zimbabwe and captain Kapil needed to play an all-time best innings to get the team back on track.
India lost half of their side for just 17 runs and Kapil’s iconic 175 not out in 138 helped the team reach 266-8 in 60 overs. Zimbabwe’s reply ended at 235 runs as India clinched a famous 31-run victory. The victory gave the team a glimmer of hope as they beat Australia to storm into the semi-finals.
India and England locked horns in the first semi-final and the former managed to win by six wickets to secure a berth in the final. India and West Indies met for the third time in the tournament, this time in the all-important final. Batting first, India were bowled out for 183 runs in 54.4 overs. Kris Srikkanth, who scored 38 off 57, was the top scorer of the team. Sir Andy Roberts took three wickets, while Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding and Larry Gomes shone with two wickets each.
Chasing a modest total, the Caribbean side was expected to comfortably cross the finish line. However, the Indian bowlers held their nerve to clinch a superb 43-run win. Mohinder Amarnath was adjudged Player of the Match for his 3/12 in seven overs. Madan Lal (3/31) and Balwinder Sandhu (2/32) also played a crucial role in the historic triumph.
Read More: India beat England in the semi-finals and advanced to their first-ever World Cup Finals in 1983