World cup cricket : Memorable matches WI v Pak 1975

 



Cricket ODI world cup over the decades have produced many gripping matches . We remember the epic 2019 final, the iconic Australia v South Africa clash in 1999 semis  and many more . However the very first world cup produced an absolute rip roaring thriller between Pakistan and the ultimate 1975 champs West Indies . It was a high scoring pulsating match in which the invincible West Indies  were shaken out of their wits .




WI v PAK  1975 Oval

Another spectacular game on one of the truest surfaces at Oval. Pakistan batted first and Majid Khan(60) looked stylish and in complete control with fluent strokeplay supported well by the elegant Zaheer Abbas (31). In the middle overs skipper Musthaq Mohammed (55) and Wasim Raja (58 off 57 balls) controlled the innings well against a strong Windies bowling attack, Raja in particular looking in fluent touch scoring rapidly. Javed Miandad (24) played a cameo and Pakistan finished on a  impressive 266/7 in 60 overs ( from 1975 to 83 World cup was played with 60 overs a side).

In reply the Windies batters could not play in long partnerships as most of their strong top order capitulated in 10s and 20s except skipper Lloyd who scored 53 good runs. Sarfraz Nawaz was at his best with perfect lengths and movements of the seam. With regular loss of wickets the Windies were in disarray at 166/8 as keeper Deryk Murray provided the solidity but was running out of partners till Vanburn Holder played for a while and then at 208/9, Andy Roberts (24no) provided the companionship the Murray was looking at. 


Both the players slowly build up a fruitful stand as the Pakistani bowlers were probing to get the final wicket. It was a gripping match in its final stages with both batters hitting the odd boundary and picking up the singles and twos, till the winning hit which arrived at the 59.4 overs. Windies finally won from a hopeless situation with 2 balls remaining  to make it one of the greatest ever World cup matches. Deryk Murray remain 61 notout, special innings under extreme tension. Sarfraz Nawaz for his 4/44 was man of the match, a small consolation for losing a match which Pakistan should have won.

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