What Is 1987 ICC Cricket World Cup Final

Overview

The 1987 ICC Cricket World Cup Final marked a historic moment in cricket history as Australia claimed their first-ever World Cup title. Held on November 8, 1987, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, the match featured a tense showdown between Australia and England.

Australia batted first and posted a competitive 253/5 in their 50 overs, powered by strong performances from David Boon and Mike Veletta. England responded with a determined chase but fell short by 7 runs, finishing at 246/8 despite a valiant effort from Mike Gatting and Allan Lamb.

• David Boon top-scored with 75 off 125 balls, anchoring Australia’s innings with disciplined strokeplay and crucial partnerships.
• Mike Veletta contributed 45 off 48 balls, accelerating the scoring in the final overs with aggressive hitting.
• Steve Waugh delivered under pressure, taking 2/36 and bowling the final over to seal Australia’s victory.
• Mike Gatting scored 41 before a controversial run-out decision disrupted England’s momentum in the middle overs.
• Allan Lamb nearly won the game with 65 off 79 balls, but fell short as Australia defended a modest total.

Match Details and Key Performances

The final showcased high-pressure cricket under challenging subcontinental conditions, with heat and humidity playing a role in player endurance. Australia’s ability to adapt to Indian pitches gave them a strategic edge over England.

• First World Cup win: Australia’s 1987 victory was their first in four World Cup appearances, marking a turning point in their cricketing history.
• Eden Gardens: Hosted the final with a capacity crowd of over 90,000, making it one of the largest attendances in World Cup history.
• ODI format: The match followed 50-over-per-side rules, with fielding restrictions in place during the first 15 overs.
• Man of the Match: Not officially awarded in 1987, though Steve Waugh’s late bowling was pivotal in restricting England.
• Toss decision: Australia won the toss and elected to bat, a rare choice in World Cup finals that paid off.
• Run rate: Australia maintained a steady 5.06 runs per over, considered aggressive for the era’s standards.

Comparison at a Glance

Key statistics from the 1987 final compared to previous World Cup finals:

The 1987 final saw higher aggregate scoring than 1983 but less than the inaugural 1975 final. The close margin highlighted improved competitive balance in World Cup cricket by the late 1980s.

Why It Matters

The 1987 final was a watershed moment for Australian cricket, setting the stage for future dominance in international tournaments. It also marked the first World Cup final held outside England, symbolizing the sport’s global expansion.

• Shift in power: Australia’s win signaled the decline of England and West Indies’ dominance in ODI cricket.
• Subcontinental influence: Hosting in India and Pakistan highlighted the growing importance of South Asian nations in cricket administration.
• Player legacy: Steve Waugh’s performance foreshadowed his future role as a World Cup-winning captain in 1999.
• Tactical evolution: The use of pinch-hitters and death bowlers became more pronounced after this tournament.
• Commercial growth: The 1987 World Cup saw increased sponsorship and TV viewership, boosting cricket’s financial model.
• Historical significance: It was the last World Cup before the introduction of colored clothing and white balls in 1992.

The 1987 ICC Cricket World Cup Final remains a landmark event, not just for Australia’s breakthrough win, but for its role in shaping modern one-day international cricket.