10 Most Destructive One Day International innings of all time

#3 Kapil Dev’s 175 not out against Zimbabwe in World Cup 1983

Kapil Dev's innings of 175 in World Cup 1983 turned the face of Indian cricket upside down

Even after 35 years, the innings that Kapil Dev played in the World Cup 1983 was considered by many as the best ever ODI innings played by an Indian. Scoring 175 runs in those days was a huge achievement, more so when the team’s total was 17 for 5. It was a must-win game for India to stay alive in the Cricket World Cup.

Apart from Kapil Dev who was a genuine all-rounder, India had bowlers like Roger Binny, Ravi Shastri and Madan Lal who could all bat more than a bit. Even the wicket-keeper Kirmani was a decent bat.

Kapil first added 60 runs with Roger Binny and 62 runs with Madan Lal before Syed Kirmani joined him with the score on 140 for 8. Kapil knew Kirmani could stick around and in his company, he reached his 100 off 72 balls. Even after reaching his hundred, the Indian skipper was determined to bat through the innings since it was now or never for his team in the World Cup.

Kapil Dev remained not-out on 175 which came off 138 balls with 16 fours and 6 sixes. Kapil added 126 runs with Syed Kirmani for the 9th wicket who contributed 24.

Kapil Dev came back to bowl 11 tight overs conceding 32 runs and claiming a wicket. That innings from Kapil Dev changed the face of Indian cricket as India went on to win that World Cup. This made India a superpower in the world of cricket.