The Dawn of a New Age
In the summer of 1975, cricket reinvented itself. The inaugural Men's World Cup was a bold experiment born from necessity, a two-week spectacle that condensed the drama of Test cricket into a single day and set the sport on a new, thrilling trajectory. This is the story of how it all began.
The Contenders
Eight nations gathered in England, representing the global landscape of cricket at the time. Six established Test-playing powers were joined by two invited associate nations. Click on a team to learn more about their 1975 campaign.
A Tale of Two Styles
The group stage was a live experiment, starkly contrasting the teams that embraced the new format's attacking potential against those who clung to the cautious traditions of Test cricket.
Spotlight: The Edgbaston Classic
The clash between West Indies and Pakistan became an instant classic. Pakistan set a competitive 266, and in reply, the mighty West Indian batting collapsed to 166 for 8. The match seemed lost, but the last-wicket pair of Deryck Murray (61*) and Andy Roberts mounted an unbelievable rearguard. Their unbeaten 64-run stand snatched a one-wicket victory with just two balls to spare, showcasing the format's potential for unparalleled drama.
Controversy: Gavaskar's 36 Not Out
In stark contrast, India's opening match against England produced infamy. Chasing England's record 334, opener Sunil Gavaskar batted through all 60 overs for a baffling 36 not out from 174 balls. India crawled to 132 for 3, losing by 202 runs. The innings, widely condemned as selfish, highlighted the strategic confusion of the era and became a symbol of the cautious approach the one-day game would leave behind.
Heroes Emerge
The semi-finals delivered two very different paths to the Lord's final. One was a story of collective dominance, the other a tale of singular, unforgettable brilliance.
Semi-Final 1: Australia vs England
At Headingley, Australian swing bowler Gary Gilmour, in only his third ODI, produced one of the greatest all-round performances ever seen. He destroyed England with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 14 runs as the hosts were skittled for just 93. When Australia collapsed to 39 for 6 in reply, Gilmour returned with the bat to score a vital 28 not out, guiding his team to an improbable four-wicket win.
Semi-Final 2: West Indies vs New Zealand
The second semi-final was a clinical display of West Indian power. They restricted New Zealand to just 158, with Bernard Julien taking 4 for 27. The chase was a formality, built on a commanding 125-run partnership between Gordon Greenidge (55) and Alvin Kallicharran (72). The West Indies cruised to a five-wicket victory, booking their place in the final with an air of inevitability.
The Final: A Contest for the Ages
On a sun-drenched Midsummer's Day at Lord's, West Indies and Australia produced one of the most thrilling finals in history, a match defined by a captain's masterpiece, revolutionary fielding, and a chaotic climax.
Final Scorecard
Hover over a player's name for their key contribution.
West Indies Innings: 291/8 (60 overs)
Australia Innings: 274 all out (58.4 overs)
Innings Progression
By The Numbers
The tournament's narrative is backed by the statistics that defined the top performers.
Top Run Scorers
Top Wicket Takers
A Watershed Moment
The 1975 World Cup was more than a tournament; it was a revolution. Its commercial and popular success silenced skeptics and established one-day cricket as a vital pillar of the sport. It heralded an era of West Indian dominance, introduced a new level of athleticism, and laid the financial groundwork for the global spectacle the World Cup is today. The Summer of '75 was the moment a traditional sport embraced its future.