ICC Cricket World Cup 1987: Australia Won the Reliance Cup — Subcontinent's First World Cup
The ICC Cricket World Cup 1987 — also known as the Reliance Cup — was the fourth edition of the Cricket World Cup, held in India and Pakistan in October-November 1987. It was the first World Cup held outside England. Australia won the tournament for the first time, defeating England by 7 runs in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 8 November 1987. David Boon scored 75 and Mike Veletta hit a crucial late cameo. England needed 18 off the last 3 overs with wickets in hand but were bowled out for 246 in reply to Australia's 253 for 5. Allan Border captained Australia. Tied matches were decided by run rate rather than replay for the first time.
The 1987 Cricket World Cup — the Reliance Cup — was a landmark tournament. For the first time the World Cup was held outside England, with matches hosted across India and Pakistan. It was also the first World Cup played with 50 overs per side, reducing from the 60 overs used in the 1975, 1979, and 1983 editions. The tournament featured eight teams across two groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Allan Border captained Australia; Mike Gatting captained England; Imran Khan captained Pakistan; and Kapil Dev captained India. India were knocked out in the semifinals — a shock for the defending champion and home-nation co-host.
The Final: Australia Beat England by 7 Runs at Eden Gardens
In the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 8 November 1987, Australia batted first and posted 253 for 5 in 50 overs. David Boon top-scored with 75. Mike Veletta hit a vital 45 off 31 balls near the end of the innings. England needed 254 to win — entirely achievable in 1987's context. At one stage England needed 18 runs off the final 3 overs with wickets in hand. But the nerve went: Mike Gatting reverse-swept his first ball from Allan Border and was caught at the wicket — one of cricket's most famous dismissals. England's last 5 wickets fell for 26 runs and they were bowled out for 246, losing by 7 runs. Craig McDermott took 5 wickets.
Significance: Australia's First Title, New World Cup Format
Australia's 1987 World Cup victory was their first of what would become a dynasty — they won again in 1999, 2003, and 2007. Allan Border became the first Australian to lift the World Cup. The tournament established the subcontinent as a serious host nation for major cricket events, paving the way for the ICC to regularly award tournaments to India and Pakistan. The reduction to 50 overs per side defined the ODI format for the next three decades. The image of Gatting's reverse sweep became a symbol of the fine margins separating World Cup triumph from defeat.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1987 World Cup final between Australia and England?
In the 1987 World Cup final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on 8 November 1987, Australia posted 253 for 5 (David Boon 75, Mike Veletta 45). England needed 254 to win and were in contention at 200+ with wickets in hand before the key dismissal of Mike Gatting — who attempted a reverse sweep off Allan Border's first ball and was caught behind. England's last 5 wickets fell for 26 runs and they were bowled out for 246, losing by 7 runs. Craig McDermott took 5 wickets. It remains one of cricket's most famous individual dismissals — a single shot that turned a World Cup final.
Why was the 1987 Cricket World Cup historically significant?
The 1987 Cricket World Cup — the Reliance Cup — was the first World Cup held outside England, co-hosted by India and Pakistan. It was also the first World Cup played with 50 overs per side (previous editions used 60 overs). These two changes — the venue shift and the format change — defined the tournament and the ODI format for decades. Australia won the first of what became a dominant run: they won again in 1999, 2003, and 2007. Allan Border was the first Australian to lift the World Cup. India were the defending champions but were knocked out in the semifinals.