1987 Cricket World Cup Explained
Understand the 1987 Reliance Cup — the first Cricket World Cup held outside England, Australia's victory, and Pakistan's controversial semi-final exit.
A World Cup Outside England for the First Time
The 1987 Reliance Cup was the first Cricket World Cup held outside England — jointly hosted by India and Pakistan. The decision to host in the subcontinent reflected cricket's shifting power balance toward South Asian nations, whose massive populations and commercial potential were increasingly central to the sport's economics.
Format Change — 50 Overs
The 1987 World Cup introduced the 50-over format that remains standard in ODI cricket today. Previous World Cups used 60 overs. The reduction acknowledged that 50 overs per side provided sufficient strategic depth while shortening the match duration to fit broadcasting and spectator schedules more effectively.
Australia's Victory
Australia won the 1987 World Cup, defeating England by 7 runs in a nail-biting Calcutta final. David Boon's 75 anchored Australia's total. Mike Gatting's reverse sweep — which cost him his wicket at a critical moment for England — remains one of the most analysed shots in World Cup history.
Pakistan's Exit and Semi-Final Drama
Pakistan, led by Imran Khan, lost to Australia in a semi-final marred by umpiring controversies that Pakistan felt cost them the match. These grievances contributed to ongoing debate about neutral umpires that eventually led to their formal adoption in international cricket in the early 1990s.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 1987 Cricket World Cup?
Australia won the 1987 Reliance Cup, defeating England by 7 runs in the final held at Eden Gardens, Calcutta (now Kolkata).
Why is the reverse sweep by Mike Gatting so famous?
Gatting played a reverse sweep off Allan Border when England needed 17 off the final 2 overs. The shot went to the keeper and Gatting was caught — ending England's chance of victory from a winning position. It is remembered as one of Test cricket's most costly tactical errors.
Where was the 1987 final played?
The final was held at Eden Gardens in Calcutta (Kolkata), India — a historically significant ground that holds the largest cricket crowd capacity in the world.