World Cup History

Australia became the first team to win the 50-over format cricket World Cup in 1987 when they defeated arch-rivals England by seven runs in the final played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata (then Calcutta).

Winning the toss, Allan Border led Australia batted first to post 253/5 in 50 overs. Opening batsman David Boon top-scored for Australia with 75 runs (seven fours).

Mike Veletta made a quick fire 45 not out off 31 balls to take Australia's total beyond 250. His innings included six fours. England's Eddie Hemmings managed to pick two wickets.

Replying to a modest total, England were well on course to victory when captain Mike Getting (41) and Allan Lamb (45) were batting in the middle.

However, following the wickets of Bill Athey (58) and Getting, the English lower-order batsmen struggled as the hosts were restricted to 246/8 in 50 overs.

A collective economical spell by the Australian bowlers led by captain Allan Border (2/38) and Steve Waugh (2/37) gave Australia win by seven runs.

Ahead of the final, eventual winners Australia defeated Pakistan by 18 runs at the first semi-final in Lahore. In the other semi-final, England defeated India by 35 runs in Mumbai; thus eliminating both the co-hosts.

This was for the first time that the cricket World Cup was organized outside England as it was hosted jointly by India and Pakistan.

Eight teams participated in this World Cup and 27 matches were played including the semi-finals and the final.