Who won the first Cricket World Cup in 1975?

The West Indies won the first Cricket World Cup in 1975. In the inaugural final at Lord’s in London, the West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs to become the tournament’s first champions.

The final was played on June 21, 1975, under the competition’s original 60-overs-per-side format. The West Indies scored 291 for 8, powered by captain Clive Lloyd’s 102 from 85 balls and a 149-run partnership with Rohan Kanhai. Australia was then dismissed for 274.

Lloyd’s innings was especially influential because he attacked the Australian bowlers after the West Indies had slipped to 50 for 3. His century transformed the match and earned him the Player of the Match award. The West Indies had reached the final by defeating New Zealand in the semi-final, while Australia beat England.

The 1975 event was held entirely in England and featured eight teams. It was officially known as the Prudential Cup, after its sponsor. The West Indies also won the next World Cup in 1979, defeating England in another Lord’s final, before India ended their streak in 1983.