7 biggest upsets in 50-over Cricket World Cup history

In the 10 editions of the 50-over World Cup thus far, there have been quite a number of upsets. Here, we look at 7 of the biggest among them.   

#1 India v West Indies, 1983 Final

Kapil Dev with the trophy

Ahead of the tournament, no one would have given India any chance of making it to the knockouts, leave alone winning the final. 

However, through some excellent performances in the group stages and the knockout games, India had reached their first ever World Cup final and were to face the mighty West Indies at Lord’s.

Batting first, India got off to a shaky start losing Sunil Gavaskar early. K Srikkanth and Yashpal Sharma then steadied the ship for a while before the former was dismissed for 38.

After that, India could not really get a move on as the West Indian quicks picked up wickets regularly. They were eventually bundled out for 183 in 54.4 overs with Andy Roberts picking up 3 wickets.

When play resumed for the 2nd innings, everyone expected the Caribbean team to win at a canter. And when Vivian Richards was at the crease, it seemed as if the match would be over well within 35 overs.

However, that was not to be the case. Kapil Dev pulled off a sensational running catch to dismiss Richards, helping his team claw their way back into the game.

Indian bowlers picked up crucial wickets from them on in as none of the West Indian batsmen managed to convert their starts, and, when Michael Holding was caught lbw off the bowling of Mohinder Amarnath, the miracle was complete.

India had pulled off a major upset, winning by 43 runs, to be crowned as World Champions.