OTDI Kapil Dev scored 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 Cricket World

The 1983 Cricket World Cup saw a historic performance at the Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells that could only be described as legendary. After Zimbabwe reduced India to 9/4 on June 18, Kapil Dev struck 175 not out at this location.

When Kapil won the toss and decided to bat, the first of the duo of the new-ball bowlers destroyed India’s top order was Peter Rawson (3 for 47). The other was Kevin Curran (3 for 65). Sunil Gavaskar was removed by Rawson after only two deliveries, leaving the scoreboard empty. Curran removed Kris Srikkanth, who left without bothering the scorers. And India was in ruins when Rawson eliminated Mohinder Amarnath (five) then Curran got rid of Sandeep Patil (one). 

Kapil scored 138 runs in a flash, including 16 fours and 6 sixes. Syed Kirmani 24 not out was the next-highest score as India reached 266 for 8. When the lack of experience cost Zimbabwe, it was a remarkable game. Kapil Dev continued to score boundaries on regular intervals while displaying no symptoms of fatigue. Throughout his inning, he hit 14 fours and 6 sixes. The crowd exploded in cheers when he passed the 171-run threshold. Before learning that he had surpassed Glenn Turner’s previous record for the most runs scored in an ODI match, Kapil was a bit taken aback by the sudden cheers from the audience.

India scored a respectable total that was still reachable with our batting side when the ground flattened down. Just 31 runs separated Fletcher’s men from victory. Curran led the scoring with 73 points off 93 balls. On two, Rawson was unblemished. Zimbabwe lost against India for the second time in the World Cup; the first time was a five-wicket defeat on June 11.

India won the world championship seven days following Kapil’s exploits in Tunbridge Wells thanks to an incredible victory against West Indies during the final match of the tournament.