Major turning points in World Cup

The fortunes of a limited overs game could sometimes hinge on one turning point - a dropped (or brilliant) catch, a rash stroke, a destructive spell of bowling, a timely burst of aggression from a batsman.

We take a look at some such decisive moments in the World Cup over the years.  

Kapil Dev's 175 n.o vs Zimbabwe

India had entered the third World Cup (1983) as 66 to one outsiders but a shock victory over two-time champion West Indies and another over Zimbabwe kept them in the hunt for a semifinal slot.

However, they faltered thereafter going down to Australia and in the return game against West Indies.

Then against Zimbabwe batting first they were nine for four.

Skipper Kapil Dev entered at this stage but India soon slid to 17 for five and 78 for seven. When Syed Kirmani joined him for the ninth wicket, India were 140 for eight.

World Cup 2011

Kapil had taken his time to get to his half-century (in the 36th over) but now went for the bowling with all fury. Suddenly the crowd became aware that they were watching one of the very great innings.

He reached his 100 in the 49th over, the century partnership came in 13 overs and by this time Kapil was doing pretty much what he liked with the bowling.

At the end of 60 overs, India's score stood at 266 for eight with Kapil unbeaten on 175 - then the highest score in ODIs - and Kirmani on 24. Kapil hit 16 fours and six sixes.

The match was transformed - India won by 31 runs - and the campaign received such an impetus that a week later India had won the World Cup defeating West Indies in the final. 

In Image: Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev during his record innings of 175 not out off 138 balls against Zimbabwe in the Cricket World Cup at Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, 18th June 1983.

Text: Partab Ramchand

Images: Getty (Unauthorised reproduction prohibited)