On This Day in 1983: Kapil Dev plays one of the greatest ODI innings ever

Kapil Dev. (Source – Getty Images)

India won their first ODI World Cup way back in 1983, as Kapil Dev’s men defied all odds and overcame various obstacles to bring glory to their nation. Two of the biggest attributes of the talented team were their relentless vigour and willingness to fight till the end. Kapil’s epic century against Zimbabwe is a glaring example of the fighting spirit of that illustrious Indian contingent.

On June 18, 1983, India faced Zimbabwe at Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells. In the must-win match, India lost their first five wickets for just 17 runs, as the Zimbabwean pacers were breathing fire in helpful conditions. Kapil came out to bat at No. 6 and played watchfully at the start of his innings. Roger Binny gave him good support and they added 60 runs for the sixth wicket. Binny and Ravi Shastri departed off consecutive deliveries as India were in dire straits at 78/7.

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Kapil slowly began counterattacking and brought up his half-century in the 26th over. His next fifty came in 13 overs and the last one in just 10 overs, extremely quick by the standard of the day. Madan Lal and Syed Kirmani gave him decent support but it was essentially a one-man show from the Haryana Hurricane. Kapil eventually remained unbeaten on 175 off just 138 balls, as India finished on 266/8 in their stipulated 60 overs. The centurion hit 16 fours and six sixes during his stellar knock and finished with a strike rate of 126.81.

In reply, Zimbabwe got off to a sedate start, as their openers added 44 runs. However, the Indian bowlers fought back strongly and kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. Eventually, the African nation was bowled out for 235 in 57 overs. Lal stood out with the ball, bagging three wickets for 42 runs in 11 overs. Meanwhile, Kapil took the new ball and finished with figures of 1/32 in 11 overs, taking the last wicket of John Traicos.

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India won the pulsating encounter by 31 runs and this match continues to be described as one of the greatest comebacks in cricketing folklore.