ICC Cricket World Cup 1979

Tournament Overview

Series Overview

The 1979 ICC Cricket World Cup, the second edition of the tournament, was played entirely in England and produced one of the most celebrated innings in World Cup history. At Lord's on 23 June 1979, Viv Richards walked to the crease and proceeded to play an innings that would define his career and the tournament. His 138 not out off 157 balls — an extraordinary knock for a 60-over format — was marked by his trademark imperious hooking, driving, and placement. Gordon Greenidge contributed 53 and the explosive Collis King blasted 86 to build a formidable West Indies total of 286/9. England, the home side playing in front of their own Lord's crowd, had every incentive but were simply overwhelmed by the quality of the West Indies performance. Their batters could manage only 194 in reply — falling 92 runs short. West Indies, captained by Clive Lloyd, had retained the World Cup title they won in 1975. The victory confirmed them as the dominant force in world cricket: fast bowlers who could intimidate any batting lineup, explosive batters who could destroy any bowling attack, and at their centre, the incomparable Viv Richards. The 1979 World Cup cemented the Richards legend and gave West Indies back-to-back titles — the first team to achieve that feat.

Key Highlights

• 1Viv Richards' 138* off 157 balls — one of the greatest innings in World Cup final history — anchored West Indies' 286/9
• 2West Indies defended 286 with authority, dismissing England for 194 to win by 92 runs and retain the World Cup
• 3Gordon Greenidge's 53 and Collis King's explosive 86 supported Richards to build an insurmountable total
• 4West Indies became the first team to win back-to-back Cricket World Cups — a dynasty confirmed at Lord's
• 5England, the home nation, were favourites in front of their own crowd but could not contain Richards on his biggest day

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