Calypso's Coronation
An interactive journey through the 1979 Prudential World Cup, a tournament that confirmed the West Indies dynasty and reshaped one-day cricket in the shadow of the World Series Cricket revolution.
The Group Stage
The eight contenders were split into two groups. This section allows you to explore the path each team took. While one group followed the script, the other produced one of the tournament's biggest shocks. Click on a group header to see the final standings and key results.
Path to the Final
The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals. This section visualizes the knockout bracket and summarizes the two classic encounters that decided the finalists.
England
vs New Zealand
England won by 9 runs
West Indies
vs Pakistan
West Indies won by 43 runs
England vs West Indies
Lord's, London
The Final: A Masterclass and a Collapse
The final at Lord's was a match of two distinct halves. First, a stunning counter-attack rescued the defending champions from the brink of disaster. Then, a methodical run chase met a fiery, devastating end. The charts below visualize the drama of each innings.
West Indies Innings: 286/9
From 99/4 to a commanding total
After a disastrous start, Viv Richards (138*) and Collis King (86 off 66) put on a breathtaking 139-run partnership. King's brutal assault shifted the momentum, allowing Richards to build one of the greatest innings in World Cup history. The chart clearly shows the dramatic acceleration after the 30-over mark.
England's Reply: 194 all out
The slow burn and the final inferno
England's openers built a solid platform but used up 38 overs, causing the required run rate to skyrocket. At 183/2, the chase imploded as Joel Garner's spell of devastating yorkers saw England lose their last 8 wickets for just 11 runs, one of the most dramatic collapses ever seen.
Star Performers
While the West Indies' team effort was supreme, the tournament was lit up by brilliant individual performances. This section highlights the statistical leaders who defined the key contests. Hover over the bars to see detailed stats.