OTD 1985: How India Won the World Championship of Cricket 1985 by Beating Pakistan?

After shocking the world and emerging victorious in the 1985 World Cup, India added another feather to their cap by winning the World Championship of Cricket two years later in 1985.

This tournament was part of the celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of European settlement in the Australian state of Victoria. It was played in the ODI format from February 17 to March 10. 

All the seven teams which played Test cricket back then had participated in the marquee event. The Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground hosted the matches. During the tournament, the Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted games under lights.

The West Indies were the favourites heading into the tournament. They were placed in Group B along with New Zealand and Sri Lanka. In Group A, there were four teams, namely India, Pakistan, Australia, and England.

India topped Group A, defeating Pakistan by six wickets, England by 86 runs, and Australia by eight wickets. They went on to play semi-final 1 against the Kiwis. The Men in Blue won that game by seven wickets. John Reid top-scored for the Black Caps with a fighting half-century. Meanwhile, Madan Lal was the pick of the bowlers for India as he bagged a four-wicket haul. Ravi Shastri also contributed with a three-for.

In reply, Shastri starred again, this time with the willow. He opened the batting and scored 53 off 84 balls. Kris Srikkanth and Mohammad Azharuddin failed to make an impact.

At 102/3, Dilip Vengsarkar joined forces with Kapil Dev. They took the attack to the Kiwi bowlers and scored runs rapidly. Both batters added a 105-run unbeaten stand.

Vengsarkar finished on 63 not out off 59 balls. On the other hand, Kapil Dev scored 54 off 37 deliveries as India raced home in 43.3 overs with seven wickets to spare.

In the other semi-final, Pakistan got the better of the West Indies by seven wickets.

The final saw a mouth-watering clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The latter won the toss and opted to bat first. Kapil Dev and Chetan Sharma wreaked havoc upfront as Pakistan slumped to 33/4.

Javed Miandad played a captain’s knock but was eventually dismissed for 48. Imran Khan also chipped in with a handy 35. The lower order batters got starts but couldn’t convert them to substantial scores as Pakistan were restricted to 176/9 in 50 overs.

In reply, Indian openers Shastri and Kris Srikkanth added a 103-run stand. Srikkanth scored 67 off 77 balls before getting dismissed. Azharuddin chipped in with a 26-ball 25. In the end, Shastri and Vengsarkar took India to victory in 47.1 overs with eight wickets to spare. Shastri won the Player of the Series award, with India lifting the title.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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