The 1987 Cricket World Cup marked a historic shift for the sport's global stage

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Held in India and Pakistan, the 1987 tournament broke the tradition of England hosting the Cricket World Cup. It introduced the 50-over format, which remains the standard for one-day internationals today, and saw Australia claim its first title in a dramatic final that nearly slipped from their grasp.

Known officially as the Reliance Cup, the 1987 tournament was a watershed moment for cricket. For the first time since the competition began, the event moved outside of England, with India and Pakistan serving as joint hosts. This shift was accompanied by a significant structural change: the match length was reduced from 60 overs per side to 50, a format that persists in modern one-day international cricket.

The tournament featured eight teams, including the seven nations with Test status and Zimbabwe, which qualified by winning the 1986 ICC Trophy. The competition was defined by high-stakes drama, including the first-ever hat-trick in World Cup history, achieved by India's Chetan Sharma against New Zealand. Despite the home-field advantage, both India and Pakistan were eliminated in the semi-finals, leaving England and Australia to face off in the final at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

The final proved to be one of the most closely contested in the tournament's history. Australia set a target of 253, bolstered by a late-innings surge. England's chase was steady, but the momentum shifted when captain Mike Gatting attempted a reverse sweep and lost his wicket. Despite a valiant effort from Allan Lamb, England fell just short, losing by seven runs. This match was the final time in World Cup history that players wore traditional white clothing and used red balls, marking the end of an era for the sport.

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