West Indies Repeat India’s Success of 1983 in Dhaka After 37 Years

This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

West Indies was the king of the game. World cup was meant for them only. Their bowlers were nightmare to any team and its batsmen were fearless like a lion. And then there was a downfall. In 1983 they lost their crown to a no-hopper India.

Yes, we are talking about the stunning performance by West Indies team to clinch the last edition of U19 World Cup. In 1983  WI lost world cup edition of seniors to  India.

After 37 years, junior took the revenge by defeating India in U19 world cup.

West Indies U19 World Cup
Image credit : CricInfo; The West Indies side is elated after getting their hands on the trophy.

It won’t be wrong to say that the recently concluded ICC U19 Cricket World Cup had a lot of similarities to that of ICC 1983 Cricket World Cup that India won under the legendary Kapil Dev. If you are still wondering what are these similarities then read ahead.

It is correct to admit that this high voltage drama almost took the viewers back to 1983 era when West Indies was the most powerful team yet they lost the finale at Lords gifting India with a 43-run victory and trophy as well.

Almost 33 year later, no one expected that Dhaka would take a cue from it and the same story will repeat here. The foremost similarity is the way India’s under-19 team was playing miraculous cricket under Ishan Kishan’s captaincy with Rahul Dravid as a mentor of the side. In 1983, West Indies (senior) team was unbeatable under Clive Lloyd.

Similarities of ICC U-19 World Cup 2016 & Prudential World Cup 1983 at a Glance;

Low total Finale:

It’s utterly shocking that in both these world cup finals, teams have put a very low total (below 200) on board. In 1983, India and West Indies could score only 183 and 140, while this year West Indies and India scored only 146 and 145 respectively.

Unknown Hero:

After becoming the U-19 World Cup champion for the first time ever, the West Indies have found a new inspiring hero in captain Hetmyer’s. During 1983, India found its new hero in ace all-rounder Kapil Dev.

Underestimated Team Stunned:

No one had expected that this year West Indies would repeat the same success that Kapil Dev did in 1983. India were the favorites to lift this year’s ICC U-19 trophy similar to the invincible West Indian team of 1983. But at the end, reverse has happened, and the underestimated team won the title in both cases.

Defeat of World Champions:

Interestingly, Indian U-19 team was invincible at the entire tournament except the final. Likewise, West Indies played remarkably well in 1983 Prudential World Cup winning 5 out of their 6 clashes but got defeated in the final.

Two-Time World Cup Winner:

India were 2 time world champions this year. They won the U-19 championship twice in 2008 and 2012. Likewise, West Indies were the 2-time world champion in 1983.

How India (U-19) Lost the Match against West Indies in the Final

Toss was crucial. Winning the toss, West Indies opted to bowl first because the Dhaka pitch seemed to be bowling friendly yesterday. Captain Hetmyer’s choice proved right because two of India’s prolific batsmen Rishabh Pant (1) and captain Ishan Kishan (4) got dismissed at cheap scores in 2.1 overs. West Indian bowlers Joseph and Holder were bowling brilliantly from both ends giving no easy runs to Indians.

West Indies U19 World Cup
Image credit : CricInfo; Gidron Pope breaks into a jig after West Indies’ victory.

Then, Ryan John was brought to attack in the middle overs dismissing Washington Sunder (7) to bring down India’s total to 41 for 4 at 14.5 overs. Soon, India lost its next 6 wickets adding just 105 more runs to the scoreboard.

West Indies U19 World Cup
Image credit : CricInfo; Sarfaraz Khan made a fighting fifty.

Apart from Sarfaraz khan 51 (89b, 4s x 5, 6s x 1), no batsman showed guts to patiently face the fiery spells from Caribbean bowlers. Somehow, India put 145 (all out) on scoreboard after 45.1 overs. West Indian bowlers Joseph and John shared 3-3 wickets each between them.

With such a low total on board, India were already out of the battle. But brilliant start from bowlers gave a ray of hope to the team bringing West Indies’ total to 77 for 5 in 29 overs courtesy Mayank Dagar’s spectacular spell of 3 for 25 in 10 overs.

West Indies U19 World Cup
Image credit : CricInfo; Mayank Dagar takes off on a celebratory run after a wicket.

However, gutsy Caribbean duo of Keacy Carty (52) and Keemo Paul (40) held their nerves till the end clinching the maiden ICC U-19 World Cup Trophy for the team. They added match winning 69 runs for the sixth wicket to lift the World Cup Title for West Indies.

West Indies U19 World Cup
Image credit : CricInfo; Keacy Carty and Keemo Paul celebrate after getting the winning runs.

It’s only after 37-year that West Indies have won any cricket world. Last time, they won ICC Cricket World Cup in 1979. Eventually, India’s successful campaign at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup turned out to be an earth shattering one in the final.