On June 25, 1983, India scripted sporting history, winning the ICC world cup for the first time. Beating out two-time winner West Indies, the team led by Kapil Dev eventually lifted the coveted trophy. "India lifts Prudential Cup," read the Free Press Journal's front page headline. Photos of Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath occupied place of honour right below the headline.
"India went through great ups and downs before clinching a magnificent 43-run victory over formidable West Indies to win the Prudential World Cup at Lords today," began the lead paragraph.
The cluster of articles on the front page also noted that the city of Mumbai went "wild with joy", with many taking out processions, bursting firecrackers or going on celebratory "drinking sprees".
India's route to the final saw them comfortably make it through Group B with four wins from six, before seeing off hosts England at Old Trafford in the semi-final. India came up against the Windies in the final - who were on the hunt for a hat-trick of World Cup titles - but was to be shocked by a determined Indian bowling line-up.
Batting first, India were bowled out for 183 in 54.5 overs, with Kris Srikkanth top-scoring for them with 38. Considering the talent in the Windies' ranks, the total looked fairly chaseable, however, fine bowling from India's attack helped skittle their opponents for just 140.
Mohinder Amarnath and Madan Lal were the stars with the ball, taking three wickets apiece as India recorded a historic 43-run victory. England's David Gower managed to finish top of the run-scoring charts at the 1983 World Cup with 384 to his name while Indian medium-pacer Roger Binny proved his worth in English conditions as he finished the tournament as leading wicket-taker.
(With inputs from agencies)
