ICC Cricket World Cup 1975: The Inaugural Edition — West Indies Beat Australia, Clive Lloyd 102
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1975 was the inaugural edition, held in England in June 1975. West Indies won the first-ever ODI World Cup title, defeating Australia by 17 runs in the final at Lord's, London on 21 June 1975. West Indies 291 for 8; Australia 274 all out. Clive Lloyd scored 102 from 85 balls and was named Player of the Match. Rohan Kanhai (55) also contributed. Player of the Tournament was Gary Gilmour (Australia, 11 wickets in the tournament). Eight teams participated. The tournament used 60 overs per side. Australia's Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson were the most feared opening pair in world cricket at the time. It remains the only World Cup final in which a run-out (Viv Richards, against Geoff Arnold) was the decisive moment of the chase.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1975 was the inaugural edition, held in England in June 1975. Eight teams participated: England, Australia, West Indies, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and East Africa. The format was 60 overs per side. The tournament was sponsored by Prudential Assurance (as were the 1979 and 1983 editions — collectively the 'Prudential Cup' era). West Indies were led by Clive Lloyd and possessed the nucleus of what would become the most dominant cricket team of the late 1970s-1980s. Australia were led by Ian Chappell, with Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson the most feared pace attack in the world.
Clive Lloyd's 102 and the First World Cup Final
In the final at Lord's on 21 June 1975, West Indies scored 291 for 8 — Clive Lloyd scored 102 from 85 balls in what became the defining innings of the match and one of the most celebrated knocks in World Cup history. Rohan Kanhai contributed 55. Australia, chasing 292, were in contention until a series of run-outs — most notably Viv Richards running out three Australian batsmen in the middle overs — proved decisive. Australia were dismissed for 274. West Indies won by 17 runs. Lloyd was named Player of the Match. Gary Gilmour (Australia) was Player of the Tournament for taking 11 wickets.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975 and what was the key innings?
West Indies won the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup in 1975, defeating Australia by 17 runs in the Lord's final on 21 June 1975. Clive Lloyd scored 102 from 85 balls and was named Player of the Match. Viv Richards ran out three Australian batsmen in the middle overs, which proved decisive in preventing Australia from completing a chase of 292. Australia were dismissed for 274. Gary Gilmour of Australia was Player of the Tournament for taking 11 wickets. Eight teams participated in the tournament, which used 60 overs per side.