Hyderabad: After the success of 1975 World Cup, cricket fans across the world were eagerly waiting for the second edition of the multilateral tournament. This time too England hosted the grand spectacle of cricket. The World Cup was played from June 9 to June 23. Like the previous edition, eight teams participated in the tournament and they were divided into two groups. There was a new entrant as Canada replaced East Africa and played the mega event for the first time.
S Venkataraghavan led India in the tournament and most of the big names retained their places in the team. India had made a few changes in the team. Surinder Khanna was included as a wicket-keeper. It was a surprising decision as experienced wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani was dropped from the team for Surinder Khanna.
1979 World Cup teams: 1. England 2. India 3.West Indies 4. Australia 5. Pakistan 6. New Zealand 7. Sri Lanka 8. Canada
While England, Pakistan, Australia and Canada were placed in Group A, defending champions West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and India were in Group B.
India vs West Indies- 1st match
This time also the World Cup opener featured India as they took on mighty West Indies, the defending champions, on June 9 at Birmingham. Winning the toss West Indies captain Clive Lloyd decided to field first. At that time, batting against West Indies bowlers was a very challenging task. Facing the intimidating fast bowlers like Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner and Colin Croft without helmet required bravery. They were fast and fierce. Sunil Gavaskar and Anshuman Gaekwad opened the innings for India. On the team's score of 10 runs, India lost their first wicket as Sunil Gavaskar was dismissed by Roberts for 8. After this, business as usual for West Indies as Indian batsmen continued to shuttle between the dressing room and the crease.
Dilip Vengsakar could not do anything special and Anshuman Gaekwad couldn't survive chest-high deliveries for long. At this stage, India were reduced to 29 for 3.
- Gundappa Viswanath played a fine knock
When big names were shivering in front of the West Indian fast bowlers, Gundappa Viswanath didn't bow down. He played them with sheer confidence. Vishy scored 75 runs with the help of seven boundaries. His innings saved India from getting dismissed for a paltry score. Riding on his half-century, India managed to post a respectable total of 190 runs on the board. Michael Holding took 4 wickets for just 33 runs in 12 overs.
- Gordon Greenidge blew away Indian bowlers
In reply, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes opened the innings for West Indies. Indian bowlers couldn't do much. The famous opening pair of Greenidge and Haynes did run feast against a weak Indian bowling attack. The opening duo built a 138-run partnership that dashed India's chance in the match. Greenidge remained unbeaten on 106 while Haynes was dismissed by Kapil Dev for 47. West Indies won by the 9 wickets with 51 balls remaining.
India vs New Zealand, second match
In their second match in the 1979 World Cup, India were pitted against New Zealand at Leeds on June 13. The Kiwis were coming to play this match on the back of a mammoth 9-wicket win against Sri Lanka. So they were confident to beat India in the World Cup for the second consecutive time. In the last edition, India had suffered a 4-wicket defeat to New Zealand.
India captain Venkataraghavan lost the toss once again and they were asked to bat first. This time opener Sunil Gavaskar played a brilliant knock of 55. Brijesh Patel (38), Kapil Dev (25) and Karsan Ghavri (20) contributed with the bat, but India failed to play allotted 60 overs for one more time as they were bowled out for 182 runs.
- Bruce Edgar's half-century and India's second consecutive defeat
In reply, New Zealand batsmen did commendable work. John Wright scored 48 before being dismissed by Mohinder Amarnath. Bruce Edgar was the highest scorer in the match scoring 84 not out. Glenn Turner, who scored 114 against India in the 1975 World Cup, scored unbeaten 43. India suffered their second consecutive defeat as New Zealand earned a convincing 8-wicket win.
India vs Sri Lanka, third match