ICC Cricket World Cup 1979: West Indies Beat England at Lord's — Collis King 86, Richards 138*
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1979 was the second edition, held in England in June 1979. West Indies retained the title, defeating England by 92 runs in the final at Lord's, London on 23 June 1979. West Indies 286 for 9; England 194 all out. Viv Richards scored 138 not out and was named Player of the Match. Collis King scored 86 from 66 balls in a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 139 with Richards that took the match away from England. Player of the Tournament was Gordon Greenidge (Sri Lanka's first World Cup appearance was also in 1979). It was the second consecutive World Cup for West Indies, who had won the first edition in 1975. Joel Garner took 5 for 38 in the final to dismiss England.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1979 was the second edition, held in England in June 1979. West Indies were the defending champions from 1975 and remained the dominant force in world cricket — led by Clive Lloyd, with Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner. England were the hosts and opponents in the final. Sri Lanka made their first appearance in a World Cup in 1979. The format remained 60 overs per side.
Richards 138 Not Out and Garner's 5 for 38
In the final at Lord's on 23 June 1979, West Indies scored 286 for 9. The innings was defined by a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Viv Richards (138 not out from 157 balls) and Collis King (86 from 66 balls) — the latter playing an extraordinary innings of counter-attacking striking at a point in the match when West Indies were in danger of under-scoring. England were set 287 to win and were dismissed for 194 — Joel Garner took 5 for 38 with his yorkers and leg-cutters. Viv Richards was named Player of the Match. Gordon Greenidge was Player of the Tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1979 and what was the key partnership?
West Indies won their second consecutive World Cup in 1979, defeating England by 92 runs in the Lord's final on 23 June 1979. Viv Richards scored 138 not out and was named Player of the Match. A sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Richards and Collis King (86 from 66 balls) transformed the innings from a modest total into an imposing one. Joel Garner then took 5 for 38 to dismiss England for 194. Gordon Greenidge was Player of the Tournament. Sri Lanka made their first World Cup appearance in 1979.