India played three matches in the 1975 Cricket World Cup, winning one and losing two. Led by Srinivas Venkataraghavan, India lost to England by 202 runs, defeated East Africa by 10 wickets and lost to New Zealand by four wickets. The tournament was played in England from 7 to 21 June 1975, with 60 overs per innings. West Indies became the first Cricket World Cup champions.

The 1975 Cricket World Cup marked the beginning of a new era in international cricket.

For the first time, the world’s leading cricket teams competed in a major international one-day tournament to decide a world champion.

Unlike today’s 50-over ODI World Cup, the inaugural competition used a 60-over format.

Each team could bat for a maximum of 360 legal deliveries, giving batters more time to build innings and bowlers longer spells.

For India, the tournament was a learning experience.

The team had several talented Test cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, Gundappa Viswanath, Bishan Singh Bedi and Farokh Engineer.

However, India’s approach to limited-overs cricket was still developing.

The campaign included a heavy defeat against England, a comfortable victory over East Africa and a closely contested loss against New Zealand.

One of the tournament’s most discussed moments was Sunil Gavaskar’s unbeaten 36 from 174 balls against England.

Although India exited in the group stage, the 1975 tournament became an important chapter in the country’s World Cup history.

In this CricketGatha article, we’ll explore India’s complete journey, match results, detailed scorecards, key performances, the 60-over format, tournament records and the historic final.

Last updated: 2 November 2026. This article covers the men’s 1975 Prudential Cricket World Cup.

What Was the ICC Cricket World Cup 1975?

The 1975 Cricket World Cup was the first edition of the men’s ODI World Cup.

Officially known as the Prudential World Cup, it was organised in England.

Eight teams participated in the tournament.

The competition began on 7 June and concluded on 21 June 1975.

All matches were played as 60-over contests.

The teams were divided into two groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.

ICC Cricket World Cup 1975: Quick Facts

Why Was the 1975 World Cup Played in a 60-Over Format?

The first Cricket World Cup used a 60-over format because one-day international cricket was still in its early stages.

Limited-overs matches were different from the modern ODI game.

Batters generally played more cautiously, fielding restrictions were different and the sport had not yet developed the aggressive strategies seen today.

Each innings contained a maximum of 60 overs.

That meant a team could face up to 360 legal balls.

A bowler could deliver a maximum of 12 overs.

1975 World Cup vs Modern ODI World Cup

The 60-over World Cup format continued through the 1979 and 1983 editions.

The tournament switched to 50 overs per innings in 1987.

Which Teams Played in the 1975 Cricket World Cup?

Eight teams participated in the inaugural tournament.

Six were established Test-playing nations, while Sri Lanka and East Africa joined them.

ICC World Cup 1975 Groups

Each team played the other three teams in its group once.

The top two advanced to the semifinals.

India was placed in Group A alongside England, New Zealand and East Africa.

Who Captained India in the 1975 Cricket World Cup?

Srinivas Venkataraghavan captained India in the 1975 World Cup.

He was an experienced off-spin bowler and a member of India’s famous spin-bowling group.

India’s squad included several players better known for Test cricket than limited-overs cricket.

The team relied on technically skilled batters, accurate spin bowling and all-round contributions.

India’s 1975 World Cup Squad

The Indian squad included the following players:

India’s bowling options included spin specialists and medium-pace all-rounders.

India’s Performance in the 1975 Cricket World Cup

India played three group-stage matches.

The team registered one victory and suffered two defeats.

India 1975 World Cup Results

India’s Final Record

India failed to reach the semifinals because England and New Zealand finished ahead in Group A.

Match 1: India vs England – 7 June 1975

India began its World Cup campaign against host nation England at Lord’s.

England won the toss and chose to bat.

The hosts produced an outstanding batting performance, scoring 334/4 in 60 overs.

Dennis Amiss scored a brilliant century, while Keith Fletcher and Chris Old also made valuable contributions.

India struggled during the chase.

Instead of challenging England’s huge total, the Indian batters adopted a very cautious approach.

India finished on 132/3 after using all 60 overs.

England won by 202 runs.

India vs England 1975 Match Summary

England Batting Scorecard

Dennis Amiss was the standout performer.

He scored 137 from 147 balls, hitting 18 boundaries.

Chris Old provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 51 from just 30 deliveries.

India’s Bowling Against England

Abid Ali was India’s most successful wicket-taker with two wickets.

Venkataraghavan was relatively economical, conceding 41 runs in his 12 overs.

India Batting Scorecard vs England

India scored at only 2.20 runs per over.

The team never seriously threatened England’s total.

Why Did Sunil Gavaskar Score 36 Runs From 174 Balls?

Sunil Gavaskar’s innings against England became one of the most discussed performances in ODI World Cup history.

He remained unbeaten on 36 after facing 174 balls.

His strike rate was just 20.69.

He hit only one boundary.

Sunil Gavaskar 36* vs England: Full Details

Why Was the Innings Controversial?

England had set India a target of 335 runs.

Gavaskar consumed almost half the deliveries available in the innings while scoring only 36 runs.

India’s chase became increasingly unrealistic.

The innings attracted criticism because India did not make a serious attempt to reach the target.

However, it is important to understand the historical context.

ODI cricket was still developing, and many players were accustomed to Test cricket.

Batting strategies, scoring expectations and approaches to run chases were very different from those used today.

Even with that context, Gavaskar’s innings remains one of the most unusual performances in World Cup history.

Key fact: Gavaskar’s 36 not out came from 174 balls, not 174 minutes.

Match 2: India vs East Africa – 11 June 1975

India’s second match was against East Africa at Headingley, Leeds.

East Africa won the toss and chose to bat.

India’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance.

East Africa was dismissed for 120 in 55.3 overs.

Madan Lal took three wickets, while Abid Ali and Mohinder Amarnath claimed two each.

Bishan Singh Bedi delivered an exceptionally economical spell.

India then chased the target without losing a wicket.

Sunil Gavaskar and Farokh Engineer completed the victory in 29.5 overs.

India won by 10 wickets.

India vs East Africa 1975 Match Summary

East Africa Batting Scorecard

Jawahir Shah was East Africa’s highest run-scorer with 37.

However, the team struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack.

India’s Bowling Against East Africa

Bedi’s bowling figures were particularly remarkable.

He delivered 12 overs, including eight maidens, and conceded only six runs.

His economy rate was just 0.50 runs per over.

India Batting Scorecard vs East Africa

Gavaskar and Engineer shared an unbeaten opening partnership of 123 runs.

India achieved the target with 181 legal deliveries remaining.

Why Was India’s Victory Over East Africa Important?

This was India’s first victory in men’s Cricket World Cup history.

The performance was much stronger than India’s opening defeat against England.

The bowlers restricted East Africa to a small total.

The opening batters then completed a comfortable chase.

However, India still needed a victory against New Zealand to improve its chances of reaching the semifinals.

Bishan Singh Bedi’s 12-8-6-1: One of the Most Economical World Cup Spells

Bishan Singh Bedi’s performance against East Africa deserves special attention.

The left-arm spinner bowled his full allocation of 12 overs.

Eight of those overs were maidens.

He conceded only six runs and took one wicket.

Bishan Singh Bedi Bowling Figures

In modern ODI cricket, bowlers can deliver only 10 overs.

Therefore, Bedi’s 12-over spell belongs to a different era of limited-overs cricket.

His figures remain an extraordinary example of control and economy.

Match 3: India vs New Zealand – 14 June 1975

India faced New Zealand in its final group-stage match at Old Trafford, Manchester.

India won the toss and chose to bat.

The team struggled during the early part of the innings.

However, Syed Abid Ali produced an important innings of 70 runs.

Anshuman Gaekwad contributed 37, while captain Srinivas Venkataraghavan added an unbeaten 26.

India was bowled out for 230 in 60 overs.

New Zealand captain Glenn Turner then played a match-winning innings.

He scored an unbeaten 114 from 177 balls.

New Zealand reached 233/6 in 58.5 overs and won by four wickets.

The defeat ended India’s hopes of reaching the semifinals.

India vs New Zealand 1975 Match Summary

India Batting Scorecard vs New Zealand

Abid Ali was India’s highest run-scorer.

His 70 from 98 balls included five fours and one six.

India recovered from 101/6 to post a more competitive total.

New Zealand Bowling Against India

Brian McKechnie was New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker with three wickets.

New Zealand Batting Scorecard vs India

Glenn Turner controlled the chase with an unbeaten century.

He struck 13 fours and ensured New Zealand reached the target.

India’s Bowling Against New Zealand

Abid Ali was India’s leading wicket-taker in the innings.

Bedi was again economical, conceding only 28 runs in 12 overs.

However, New Zealand’s batting proved strong enough to secure the victory.

Why Did India Fail to Qualify for the 1975 World Cup Semifinals?

India’s group-stage exit resulted from defeats against England and New Zealand.

The team won only one of its three matches.

England won all three Group A matches.

New Zealand finished second after winning two.

India finished third.

Group A Final Standings

India’s 202-run defeat against England was especially damaging.

The team also missed an opportunity against New Zealand after posting 230.

Only the top two teams advanced.

India’s Top Performers in the 1975 Cricket World Cup

Although India did not reach the semifinals, several players produced memorable performances.

India’s Highest Individual Scores

India’s Notable Bowling Performances

Madan Lal recorded India’s best bowling figures in the tournament.

Bedi delivered its most economical full spell.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Performance in the 1975 World Cup

Sunil Gavaskar played all three of India’s matches.

His performances included the controversial 36 not out against England and a match-winning 65 not out against East Africa.

Gavaskar’s Match-by-Match Scores

Gavaskar finished the tournament with 113 runs.

His unbeaten 65 against East Africa was his highest score of the competition.

His 36 not out against England remains one of the most discussed innings in World Cup history.

Who Won the 1975 Cricket World Cup?

West Indies won the inaugural Cricket World Cup.

Clive Lloyd captained the team.

West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs in the final at Lord’s on 21 June 1975.

Lloyd scored a brilliant century to help West Indies post 291/8.

Australia fought hard but was bowled out for 274.

ICC Cricket World Cup 1975 Final Scorecard

Clive Lloyd’s Match-Winning Century

Clive Lloyd scored 102 runs from 85 balls.

His aggressive innings helped West Indies recover from a difficult start.

He formed an important partnership with Rohan Kanhai.

Lloyd’s century became one of the defining performances in the history of the first Cricket World Cup.

ICC Cricket World Cup 1975 Semifinal Results

Four teams reached the semifinals.

England faced Australia, while West Indies played New Zealand.

Semifinal Results

Gary Gilmour produced a remarkable spell of 6/14 against England.

Australia dismissed England for just 93 and then survived a difficult chase.

West Indies defeated New Zealand to reach the final.

ICC Cricket World Cup 1975 Records and Statistics

The first World Cup produced several memorable records.

Tournament Records

Top Five Run-Scorers in the 1975 World Cup

Glenn Turner dominated the tournament with 333 runs.

He scored an unbeaten 171 against East Africa and an unbeaten 114 against India.

Top Five Wicket-Takers in the 1975 World Cup

Gary Gilmour took 11 wickets in just two matches.

His 6/14 against England remains one of the most remarkable bowling performances in World Cup history.

What Was the Highest Individual Score in the 1975 World Cup?

Glenn Turner scored an unbeaten 171 against East Africa.

The innings was played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 7 June 1975.

It was the highest individual score of the tournament.

Highest Individual Scores in the 1975 World Cup

Turner scored two centuries during the competition.

His consistency helped New Zealand reach the semifinals.

What Was the Best Bowling Performance in the 1975 World Cup?

Gary Gilmour recorded the best bowling figures of the tournament.

He took six wickets for 14 runs against England in the semifinal.

England was dismissed for only 93.

Gilmour then contributed an unbeaten 28 during Australia’s successful chase.

Best Bowling Figures in the 1975 World Cup

Gilmour’s performance in the semifinal helped Australia reach the final.

He also took five wickets against West Indies in the title match.

How Was the 1975 World Cup Different From the 1983 World Cup?

India’s performances in the 1975 and 1983 World Cups were very different.

In 1975, India failed to qualify for the semifinals.

Eight years later, India won its first World Cup under Kapil Dev.

India: 1975 vs 1983 Cricket World Cup

The comparison shows how much India’s limited-overs cricket improved during the eight years between the tournaments.

The 1983 victory transformed cricket’s popularity in India.

Why Is the 1975 Cricket World Cup Important in Indian Cricket History?

The 1975 World Cup was India’s first experience of a major global limited-overs cricket tournament.

Although the results were disappointing, the competition exposed India to a new style of international cricket.

It also highlighted the importance of scoring rates, aggressive batting and adapting strategies to limited overs.

India’s victory over East Africa became the country’s first World Cup win.

The defeat against England showed how difficult chasing a large total could be without an attacking approach.

The loss against New Zealand demonstrated the importance of defending competitive scores.

These experiences formed part of India’s early ODI development.

By 1983, India had built a more competitive limited-overs team and achieved a historic World Cup victory.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1975 Cricket World Cup

1. Who won the ICC Cricket World Cup 1975?

West Indies won the first men’s Cricket World Cup by defeating Australia in the final.

2. Who captained India in the 1975 World Cup?

Srinivas Venkataraghavan captained India.

3. How many matches did India play in the 1975 World Cup?

India played three matches.

4. How many matches did India win?

India won one match, against East Africa.

5. How many matches did India lose?

India lost two matches, against England and New Zealand.

6. Did India qualify for the 1975 World Cup semifinals?

No. India finished third in Group A.

7. Which team did India defeat in the 1975 World Cup?

India defeated East Africa by 10 wickets.

8. What was India’s first World Cup victory?

India’s first men’s Cricket World Cup victory came against East Africa on 11 June 1975.

9. What happened in India vs England 1975?

England scored 334/4, India replied with 132/3, and England won by 202 runs.

10. How many runs did Sunil Gavaskar score against England?

Gavaskar scored 36 not out from 174 balls.

11. What was Gavaskar’s strike rate against England?

His strike rate was 20.69.

12. How many boundaries did Gavaskar hit in his 36 not out?

He hit one four and no sixes.

13. What was India’s score against England?

India scored 132/3 in 60 overs.

14. Who scored a century against India in the opening match?

Dennis Amiss scored 137 for England.

15. What was India’s score against East Africa?

India scored 123/0 while chasing 121.

16. Who was Player of the Match against East Africa?

Farokh Engineer.

17. How many runs did Sunil Gavaskar score against East Africa?

He scored an unbeaten 65.

18. How many runs did Farokh Engineer score against East Africa?

He scored an unbeaten 54.

19. What were Bishan Singh Bedi’s figures against East Africa?

Bedi took 1/6 from 12 overs, including eight maidens.

20. What was India’s score against New Zealand?

India scored 230 all out in 60 overs.

21. Who scored the most runs for India against New Zealand?

Syed Abid Ali scored 70.

22. Who scored a century for New Zealand against India?

Glenn Turner scored an unbeaten 114.

23. How did New Zealand defeat India?

New Zealand chased 231 and won by four wickets.

24. How many overs were played in the 1975 World Cup?

Each team could bat for a maximum of 60 overs.

25. How many balls were in a 1975 World Cup over?

Six legal deliveries.

26. How many overs could one bowler bowl?

A bowler could deliver up to 12 overs.

27. When did the 1975 World Cup start?

It began on 7 June 1975.

28. When was the 1975 World Cup final?

The final took place on 21 June 1975.

29. Where was the 1975 World Cup final played?

At Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

30. Who captained the winning team?

Clive Lloyd captained West Indies.

31. How many runs did Clive Lloyd score in the final?

He scored 102 runs.

32. What was the result of the 1975 World Cup final?

West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs.

33. Who scored the most runs in the tournament?

Glenn Turner scored 333 runs.

34. Who took the most wickets in the tournament?

Gary Gilmour took 11 wickets.

35. What were the best bowling figures in the tournament?

Gary Gilmour took 6/14 against England.

36. How many teams participated in the 1975 World Cup?

Eight teams participated.

37. How many matches were played?

A total of 15 matches were played.

38. Which teams reached the semifinals?

England, New Zealand, Australia and West Indies.

39. Was the 1975 World Cup played with white balls?

No. The tournament used red balls.

40. When did the ODI World Cup change from 60 overs to 50 overs?

The men’s World Cup adopted the 50-over format in 1987.

Conclusion

The 1975 Cricket World Cup was the beginning of a historic journey for international one-day cricket.

India entered the tournament under Srinivas Venkataraghavan but struggled to compete consistently.

The team lost its opening match against England by 202 runs.

Sunil Gavaskar’s unbeaten 36 from 174 balls became one of the most discussed innings in World Cup history.

India then registered its first World Cup victory by defeating East Africa by 10 wickets.

Bishan Singh Bedi’s remarkable spell of 1/6 from 12 overs was a major highlight.

However, India lost its final group match against New Zealand by four wickets and failed to reach the semifinals.

West Indies went on to win the inaugural title by defeating Australia at Lord’s.

Although India’s campaign ended early, the 1975 World Cup remains an important part of the country’s cricketing history.

It was the first step in a journey that would eventually lead to India’s historic World Cup triumph in 1983.

From the 60-over matches of 1975 to the modern 50-over World Cup, India’s cricketing journey reflects the evolution of one-day international cricket.

For more Cricket World Cup history, historic scorecards, player records and cricket statistics, explore CricketGatha.

CricketGatha – Cricket Ki Har Kahani.