1979 Cricket World Cup: West Indies Retain the Title
West Indies became the first team to win back-to-back World Cups in 1979, beating England by 92 runs in the final at Lord's. Viv Richards made a century and Collis King blazed 86.
The second Prudential Cup was held in England in June 1979 with the same eight-team format as 1975. West Indies, as reigning champions, were favourites — and they delivered, thrashing England in the final at Lord's. Viv Richards and Collis King's partnership became the stuff of legend.
Format and Teams
The format was identical to 1975: two groups of four, 60-over matches, semi-finals and a final. East Africa were replaced by Canada — cricket's world reach was expanding cautiously. Sri Lanka remained, and a powerful Pakistan side gave notice they would become major players in world cricket.
Group Stage Highlights
England topped Group A despite losing no matches. West Indies were dominant in Group B, while Pakistan had a disappointing tournament. Sri Lanka posted cricket history's most one-sided match — India bowled them out for 86, losing no wicket in reply. The West Indies vs Pakistan match produced sparkling cricket, with Viv Richards already showing the form that would devastate England in the final.
Semi-Finals
West Indies demolished Pakistan by 43 runs in a match where Joel Garner took 5/38. England beat New Zealand comfortably to set up a repeat of their group-stage defeat. The stage was set for a Lord's final that would be remembered for decades.
The Final: Collis King Rewrites the Record
England chose to field first. West Indies lost three wickets for 99 and looked in trouble. Then Collis King — a middle-order improviser who was not even West Indies' first-choice selection — walked in and hit 86 off 66 balls in a partnership of 139 with Richards. Richards finished on 138 not out from 157 balls. West Indies made 286/9. England's reply never got going against Garner and Roberts; they were bowled out for 194, losing by 92 runs.
Viv Richards and Collis King Partnership
At 99/4 the match seemed evenly poised. Over the next 21 overs, Richards and King plundered the England attack — King hit sixes off Willis and Hendrick as if playing a T20 ahead of its time. Richards then cruised to his century with imperious elegance. England's bowlers had no answers. Joel Garner's 5/38 in the reply ended any hope of an England fightback.
Significance of 1979
West Indies becoming back-to-back champions confirmed them as the dominant force in world cricket. The tournament also signalled the growing importance of West Indian pace bowling — Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, and Michael Holding made this the most feared bowling attack in the world. The Prudential Cup was already proving that ODI cricket had a global audience.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 1979 Cricket World Cup?
West Indies won the 1979 World Cup, beating England by 92 runs in the Lord's final. Viv Richards scored 138 not out and Joel Garner took 5/38.
Was Viv Richards in the 1979 final?
Yes. Richards scored an imperious 138 not out from 157 balls, anchoring West Indies' innings after early wickets fell, then sharing a match-winning stand of 139 with Collis King.
Did West Indies win two World Cups in a row?
Yes. West Indies won in 1975 and 1979 — the only side ever to retain the ODI World Cup. They reached the 1983 final but lost to India in one of cricket's biggest upsets.