World Cup Flashback: All you need to know about the first edition of World Cup held in 1975

Brief History

In the inaugural season of World Cup, total 8 teams participated, out of which 6 were Test-playing nations. The tournament sponsored by Prudential Assurance Company was held in England. Total 18 matches were played in the season from June 7 to June 21, 1975, and West Indies emerged victoriously and lifted the first World Cup trophy. Thanks to the brilliant century (102 off 85 balls) by skipper, Clive Lloyd, against Australia in the final. 

The eight teams that participated were West Indies, Australia, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Pakistan, England and East Africa (the team that comprised some amazing players from Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania). These teams were divided into two groups – Group A and Group B.

From Group A, England and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals, while West Indies and Australia were the two semi-finalists from Group B. In the first semi-final, Australia defeated England, and in the second semi-finals, West Indies handed New Zealand a loss to become the finalist.

Startling facts 

1. South African cricket team had not competed in the tournament due to international sports boycott.
2. In the finals, the West Indies opener, Roy Fredericks, became the first batsman to get out for the hit wicket in the history of ODI.
3. It was played in England at seven different venues. 

Key Stats 

1. New Zealand batsman, Glenn Turner, was the highest run scorer (333 runs) in the tournament.
2. Australian all-rounder, Gary Gilmour, was the highest wicket-taker (11 in 2 matches) in the tournament. 
3. 334 runs was the highest team total recorded in the 1975 World Cup. England achieved this milestone against India. 
4. Glenn Turner’s unbeaten 171 runs knock was the highest individual total of the tournament. 
5. Gary Gilmour has the best bowling figures (6/14) in the World Cup 1975. He accomplished this feat against England.

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