1979 Cricket World Cup: The air of expectation around the 1979 World Cup had visibly increased. After the success of the tournament in the Inaugural edition fans were eagerly awaiting the second one. This World Cup which was scheduled four years after the first one was also played in England. Canada was the qualifying nation this time around. They replaced East Africa from the last World Cup. The format remained the same. Two groups of four teams each and the top two from each would go on and play the semis.

The Narrative of the 1979 World Cup:

England, Australia, Pakistan, and Canada comprised Group A. West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and India made Group B. It was a question among the top five teams on who would miss out on a place in the semis. The world order had been established and the tournament flowed on expected lines. But in a surprising turn of results, Australia missed out on a semifinal spot. The losses to England and Pakistan meant the runners-up from the last edition failed to qualify for the knockouts. 

New Zealand earned a maiden semifinals berth:

The West Indies as expected bulldozed their way into the semis. Their match against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain. West Indies had to share points else they had a clean slate. New Zealand booked their maiden semifinal berth as they comfortably beat both Sri Lanka and India. Sri Lanka though had a memorable run as they defeated India. It was India’s lowest point in World Cup history as being a full-member nation they lost to an associate country. This win helped Sri Lanka gain full-member status.

The 1979 World Cup was known for individual brilliance. Right through the World Cup, there were many standout performers who changed the course of the game.

We look at a few such game-changers from the 1979 ODI World Cup:

#1 Viv Richards

He was the biggest name in the game by then. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards was a force of nature. He loved the big stage and it often brought out the best in him. His terrific game sense was on display in the big World Cup final. West Indies were struggling at 99-4 but his partnership with Collis King changed the complexion of the game. 

Richards let King take center stage and took over from him once he departed. His 138 not out remains one of the best knocks in a World Cup final. Richards was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. He picked up 4 catches too rounding off a wonderful tournament.

#2 Mike Hendrick

He might not be a very popular name among cricket’s legion of fans but he sure had a wonderful World Cup. Mike Hendrick was the leading wicket-taker in the 1979 World Cup. He picked up 10 wickets in 5 games at an average of 14.90. Hendrick conceded runs at just 2.66 per over. His best spell in the tournament came against Pakistan when he picked up 4-15. He also had a say in the field plucking 3 catches. Hendrick played a big role in England making it to the finals.

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