OTD | First World Cup held outside of England went underway in Hyderabad in 1987

On 8th October 2024, the 1987 World Cup began in Hyderabad and this was a glorious occasion as this was the first time the tournament was played in the 50-over format. Pakistan as the hosts claimed an important victory in the opening game of Group B. The other hosts, India, who were also the defending champions, started their proceedings with a narrow 1-run defeat at the hands of Australia.

With the World Cup event being held outside England for the very first time, an Asian nation was largely predicted to reach the final. Not only were the familiar surroundings a factor, but Australia’s performance leading up to the World Cup wasn’t great. Australia had lost six of their ODI series, while England had won two Benson & Hedges Challenge Trophies, the Sharjah Cup, and the Texaco Trophy before the 1987 Reliance World Cup. Australia weren’t precisely the favorites to win the world championship because their last victory occurred early in 1986.

Australia made it to the World Cup finals in 1979, and England did the same in 1975. In the 1983 edition, both were considered championship contenders as well, but India surprised everyone by making it to the summit showdown and then winning it. Given that the Men in Maroon have never again won the World Cup, that had effectively signaled the end of the West Indies’ hegemony.

Winning the coin toss during the 1987 final, Australia opted to bat initially, and their great opener, David Boon, soared to the occasion. Australia had laid the groundwork with a 75-run opening partnership amongst Boon and Geoff Marsh, but England quickly leveled the score thanks to fast wickets from Dean Jones and Craig McDermott. 

In the end, they were able to make 253, which was a competitive score. England failed to chase down the total as they lost to their bitter rivals by 7 runs in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

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