5 worst collapses in World Cup history

#5 England vs West Indies, Final, 1979 World Cup

Viv Richards pulls one to the fence in the 1979 World Cup final against England

This game, too, also featured two collapses – though the second one is remembered more often than the first. Having tasted World Cup success in 1975, Clive Lloyd’s calypso kings had once again ruthlessly demolished the other sides in their run-up to the summit clash four years later. This time, their opponents were hosts England, making their maiden appearance in the ultimate encounter. Because it was the first time that a host nation had managed to secure a spot for the title round, expectations were definitely high from Mike Brearley’s team.

Initial signs were excellent – the West Indies fell to 99/4 courtesy excellent fielding and bowling from the English. However, a counter-attacking partnership between Vivian Richards and the dashing all-rounder Collis King, who outpaced his senior partner in scoring rate, enabled the defending champions to post 286 in their allotted 60 overs. England’s bowlers, notably Chris Old and Mike Hendrick, did quite well in the initial stages, although pace spearhead Bob Willis was sorely missed.

Brearley and Geoffrey Boycott managed a century stand, but used up 38 overs of the chase, thus making the asking rate a little too steep. After both fell to Michael Holding, “Big Bird” Joel Garner wrecked the line-up, dismissing five Englishmen in record time – Gooch, David Gower, Wayne Larkins and the lower order fell to his nagging pace and accurate line, and he was on a hat-trick twice – as the West Indies coasted to a 92-run win and a successful title defence.