The fourth edition of the cricket World Cup held in India and Pakistan from October 8 to November 8. This was the first time the event was organised outside England. The eight-team format was retained for this event as were white clothing and red balls. But the main change was the reduction in number of overs per side -- from 60 to 50. England's Graham Gooch scored most runs in the event -- 471, and Australia's Craig McDermott picked up most wickets --18.
The round-robin format was retained for the preliminary stages, albeit with the twist. The teams were divided into two groups of four teams each. But, instead of once, the teams in each group met each other twice. Following this the top two sides from each group progressed to the semi-finals. The top seven Test playing nations automatically qualified for the event, while Zimbabwe made it to their second consecutive World Cup by winning the ICC Trophy. Following the round-robins, Australia, Pakistan, India and England made it to the semi-finals.
Semi-final 1: Australia won the toss and batted first in the first semi-final against Pakistan at Lahore.David Boon ensured that they were off to a bright start with 65 from 91 balls. They looked strong to finish on a high, but Pakistan's Imran Khan picked up three wickets to dent the Australian batting. The bowling side's indiscipline however cost them. The 34 extras they conceded helped Australia reach 267 for 8. In response, Pakistan lost three wickets quickly. But, Imran Khan 58 and Javed Miandad 70, helped them stage a fight back. Pakistan, however collapsed after Miandad fell to be bowled out for 249.
Semi-final 2: In the other semi-final at Bombay (now Mumbai), India won the toss and fielded first. It was a decision India were to rue as Graham Gooch swept his way to a magnificent ton -- 115 from 136 balls. Skipper Gatting chipped in with 56 from 62 as England made an impressive 254 for 6. India lost three wickets early, but Mohammed Azharuddin's fluent 64 kept them in the hunt. But, India collapsed after Azhar's dismissal, losing 5 for 15 to be bowled out for 219.
The final: Australia won the toss and batted in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. David Boon was the star of the show, making 75. He was well supported by Mike Veletta, who blasted 45 from 31 balls as the Aussies finished with 253 for 5. Bill Athey made 58 for England, and skipper Gatting was looking good on 41, when he played that horrible reverse sweep, which triggered a batting collapse, and saw Australia capturing their first World Cup.
--By A Cricket Analyst
