ON THIS DAY IN 1983: India emerged victorious over England in the World Cup semifinal, securing their place in the final for the first time in history. The match showcased exceptional cricketing skills, intense competition, and unforgettable moments that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans around the globe.
- MATCH: India vs England 1983 World Cup Semi Final
- DATE: June 22, 1983
- VENUE: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
- TOSS: England, who chose to bat
- ENGLAND: 213/10 (60 Overs)
- INDIA: 217/4 (54.4 Overs)
- RESULT: India won by 6 wickets
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Mohinder Amarnath (India)
England had won the toss and opted to bat first. Their openers started well, as Graeme Fowler and Chris Tavare made 33 and 32, respectively, sharing 69 for the first wicket.
However, Roger Binny sent both packing to rattle the hosts. Mohinder Amarnath stepped in to dismiss David Gower and Mike Gatting, inflicting further damage to the English batting order. Skipper Kapil cleaned up the rest of the lower order with three wickets (3/35) to abruptly bring England’s innings to an end.
Fowler was the highest scorer with 33, while the rest of English order couldn’t contribute with the bat and they were all bundled out for 213 in 60 overs.
☝️ With the ball: 12-1-27-2🏏 With the bat: 46#OnThisDay in the 1983 World Cup semi-final, an all-round performance from Mohinder Amarnath helped India ease to a six-wicket win over England. pic.twitter.com/RsovshR1kZ— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 22, 2020
Chasing 214 runs, India started well before both Sunil Gavaskar (25) and Kris Srikkanth (19) were sent back in quick succession, leaving them at 50/2. However, Amarnath came to the rescue again - he not only scored a stubborn 46 off 92 balls, but also stitched a 92-run stand with Yashpal Sharma.
After the fall of the all-rounder, the pair of Sharma (61) and Sandeep Patil took India home. Patil hammered an unbeaten 51 off just 32 deliveries including eight boundaries, while Sharma scored 61 off 115 balls, which included three fours and two maximums.
The duo also put together a match-winning 63-run partnership to beat the hosts by six wickets and enter the World Cup Final against the mighty West Indies. Amarnath was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.
It was a historic moment for Indian cricket, setting the stage for a legendary showdown against the West Indies in the final, where India went on to claim their first-ever World Cup title.