Cricket history is filled with matches that leave a lasting impression, not just because of the result but due to moments of brilliance and resilience. One such unforgettable encounter took place on this day in Gwalior, when the West Indies showcased their batting depth through Carl Hooper’s magnificent century, while India responded with a brave but ultimately insufficient fight led by Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri.
India’s Early Control After Winning the Toss
The match began with Indian captain Ravi Shastri winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed justified. West Indies openers Desmond Haynes and Phil Simmons walked out to start the innings, but India’s bowlers maintained tight lines in the early overs.
Sanjeev Sharma struck early by bowling Haynes, giving India the breakthrough they were looking for. Legendary names like Viv Richards and Richie Richardson attempted to stabilize the innings, but neither could convert their starts into significant scores. With West Indies reduced to 103 for 4, momentum appeared to be firmly with the Indian side, and the hosts sensed an opportunity to dominate the match.
Carl Hooper Turns the Game on Its Head
Just when India looked in control, Carl Hooper arrived at the crease and completely transformed the course of the game. Showing composure, timing, and controlled aggression, Hooper built a crucial partnership with Gus Logie.
Logie played the anchor’s role perfectly, scoring 54 runs off 84 balls, rotating the strike and allowing Hooper to settle in. At the other end, Hooper steadily shifted gears. After rebuilding the innings, he launched a calculated assault in the latter overs, punishing loose deliveries and finding the boundaries with ease.
Hooper remained unbeaten on 113 off 97 balls, an innings that included 12 boundaries and 2 towering sixes. His knock was a masterclass in pacing an ODI innings. Thanks largely to his efforts, West Indies posted an imposing total of 278 for 6 in 50 overs. For India, Arshad Ayub picked up two wickets, while senior bowler Kapil Dev endured an expensive outing.
India’s Chase Collapses Early
Chasing a challenging target of 279, India’s innings got off to a disastrous start. West Indies fast bowler Patrick Patterson produced a fiery spell that dismantled the Indian top order within minutes.
With just 15 runs on the board, India lost four key wickets. Srikkanth (9), Arun Lal (0), Mohinder Amarnath (3), and WV Raman (1) all fell cheaply, unable to cope with Patterson’s pace and bounce. The Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, and the chances of a successful chase faded rapidly.
Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri Show Resistance
Amid the chaos, Mohammad Azharuddin and Kapil Dev attempted to steady the innings. Azharuddin contributed 23 runs before getting out, but the real counterattack came from Kapil Dev.
Batting in his trademark aggressive style, Kapil scored 52 runs off just 42 balls, striking 8 fours and a six. His innings briefly reignited hope as he took on the West Indian bowlers fearlessly. However, lack of support from the other end proved costly.
Captain Ravi Shastri then played a composed and responsible knock, holding one end together. He remained unbeaten on 73 off 72 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and guiding the lower order in an effort to reduce the margin of defeat.
Match Result and Legacy
India were eventually bowled out for 205 in the 41st over, with debutant Narendra Hirwani being the last wicket to fall. West Indies sealed a convincing 73-run victory, extending their dominance in the series to take a 5–1 lead.
Patrick Patterson was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4 wickets for 29 runs in 8 overs, while Viv Richards also chipped in with two wickets. Unsurprisingly, Carl Hooper was named Player of the Match for his match-defining century.
Even years later, this Gwalior ODI is remembered for Hooper’s classy hundred and the relentless pace bowling of Patterson, along with the spirited resistance shown by Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri in the face of overwhelming odds.
