Last Updated: October 2, 2025
On June 18, 1983, at Tunbridge Wells, Kapil Dev played an unbeaten 175 runs off 138 balls against Zimbabwe, rescuing India from 17/5 and turning a certain defeat into a historic victory—an innings that became the backbone of India’s World Cup triumph. If you look at the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 scorecard, it tells the full story of how his knock single-handedly shifted momentum and kept India alive in the tournament.
Disclaimer: This article is written for informational and educational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy using verified cricket records and historical archives, readers are encouraged to cross-reference statistics with official ICC and cricket board sources for academic or professional use.
Kapil Dev – Quick Stats Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj |
| Born | January 6, 1959 |
| Age in 1983 | 24 years |
| Jersey Number | Not standardized in 1983 (numbers weren’t permanent) |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Role | All-rounder, Captain |
| ODI Career Span | 1978-1994 |
The Day India Stared at Elimination
Picture this: India, the underdogs of the 1983 World Cup, were gasping for air at 17 runs for 5 wickets. Yes, you read that right—17/5. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were on fire, and India’s dream run seemed over before lunch.
The dressing room was silent. Fans back home had probably switched off their radios. Even the most optimistic Indian supporter would’ve thought, “Well, that’s it.”
But nobody told Kapil Dev.
What followed was not just an innings—it was a statement, a rebellion, a masterclass in never giving up. The 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard tells the story of one man’s war against impossibility.
Breaking Down the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard
India’s Batting Performance
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kapil Dev | 175* | 138 | 16 | 6 | 126.81 |
The Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard reveals the most jaw-dropping one-man show in cricket history. When Kapil walked in, India was drowning. When he finished, India posted 266—a total that looked impossible 90 minutes earlier.
Zimbabwe’s Chase
| Team | Score | Overs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 235 | 57.0 | Lost by 31 runs |
Zimbabwe gave it their all but couldn’t chase down the target Kapil had single-handedly constructed.
How the Kapil Dev 175 Happened: Ball by Ball Drama
The Context
- Match: India vs Zimbabwe, 20th Match (Group Stage)
- Venue: Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells
- Date: June 18, 1983
- Situation: India at 9/4, then 17/5
- Required: A miracle
When Kapil Dev Age in 1983 was just 24, he was already captain, but even captains can’t reverse collapsing scorecards with hope alone. He needed to fight.
The Partnership That Changed Everything
Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani stitched together a crucial partnership of 126 runs for the 6th wicket. Kirmani played the perfect second fiddle, rotating strike and giving Kapil the freedom to attack.
Later, Roger Binny (22 runs) and Madan Lal (17 runs) contributed vital cameos, but make no mistake—this was Kapil’s show.
The Assault Begins
Kapil didn’t just defend and accumulate. He attacked. With 16 fours and 6 sixes, he treated the Zimbabwe bowlers like bowling machines. Every shot screamed intent. Every boundary screamed belief.
The Kapil Dev 175 was peppered with audacious strokes—lofted drives, trademark flicks, and those unforgettable sixes that cleared the boundary with ease. Remember, this was 1983, not the modern era of T20 baseball bats. Scoring at a strike rate of 126.81 back then was unheard of.
The Kapil Dev World Record That Almost Was
Here’s a fun fact: At the time, Kapil Dev’s 175 was the highest individual score in World Cup history. It shattered the previous record and stood tall as a testament to his genius.
The Kapil Dev World Record wasn’t just about runs—it was about timing. Coming at 17/5, this innings defied logic. It was the greatest rescue act cricket had ever seen.
This remained the Kapil Dev Highest Score in ODIs until 1994, when he himself was surpassed. But the context of the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard makes it irreplaceable in cricketing folklore.
Why the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard Matters
It Saved India’s World Cup Campaign
Without this knock, India would’ve been eliminated. Period. The Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard became the turning point. India went on to beat West Indies in the final, lifting their first-ever World Cup trophy.
It Redefined One-Day Cricket
Before Kapil’s heroics, ODI cricket was cautious. Kapil proved you could attack, dominate, and win from impossible situations. His innings inspired generations of all-rounders.
It’s a Lesson in Leadership
As captain, Kapil Dev didn’t just talk the talk—he walked the walk. Leading from the front, he showed what true leadership looks like when the chips are down.
Kapil Dev Stats: The Numbers Behind the Legend
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 225 | 3,783 | 23.79 | 253 | 5/43 |
| Test | 131 | 5,248 | 31.05 | 434 | 9/83 |
The Kapil Dev Stats across formats reveal a complete cricketer—someone who could win matches with both bat and ball. But June 18, 1983, remains his crowning glory.
Kapil Dev Jersey Number: A Quick Note
Cricket fans today are obsessed with jersey numbers. However, during the 1983 World Cup, jersey numbers weren’t permanently assigned to players. The Kapil Dev Jersey Number in that tournament varied by match, unlike today’s personalized kits. What mattered wasn’t the number on his back—it was the fire in his belly.
Expert Insights: What Made This Innings Special?
Cricket analyst perspective: “The 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard isn’t just stats on paper—it’s a psychological masterpiece. Kapil didn’t just score runs; he shifted momentum, demoralized opponents, and inspired teammates. His strike rate of 126.81 in 1983 is equivalent to 150+ today.”
Former cricketer observation: “Kapil’s 175 was raw aggression mixed with calculated risk. Every shot had purpose. He knew India had nothing to lose at 17/5, so he went for broke—and it paid off spectacularly.”
Where to Find the Full 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard
The complete Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard includes:
- Bowling figures: Kapil also bowled 11 overs, taking 1 wicket for 32 runs with an economy of 2.91
- Fielding stats: Not recorded comprehensively in 1983
- Match result: India won by 31 runs
Player of the Match: Kapil Dev (obviously!)
The 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard is archived in cricket databases worldwide and remains one of the most-watched highlights even today.
The Ripple Effect: How This Innings Changed Indian Cricket Forever
India’s 1983 World Cup victory didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Kapil Dev 175 sparked belief. It told a billion people: “We can compete with the best.”
Post-1983, cricket in India exploded. Stadiums filled up. Sponsorships poured in. Kids across India started dreaming of wearing the blue jersey. All because one man decided that 17/5 was just a number, not a death sentence.
Conclusion: Why the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard Lives Forever
The 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard is more than cricket history—it’s a life lesson. It teaches us that no situation is hopeless if you have courage, skill, and unwavering belief.
Kapil Dev’s 175 against Zimbabwe on June 18, 1983, at Tunbridge Wells remains the gold standard for rescue innings. At Kapil Dev Age in 1983 of just 24, he proved maturity isn’t about years—it’s about rising when it matters most.
The Kapil Dev Highest Score in ODIs, the Kapil Dev World Record at the time, and the overall Kapil Dev Stats from that tournament paint a picture of greatness. But that single innings—that glorious, defiant, magnificent Kapil Dev 175—is what immortalized him.
Every cricket fan should know the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard by heart. Because heroes aren’t made in easy times—they’re forged when everything is falling apart, and someone decides to stand alone against the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard about?
The 1983 World Cup Kapil Dev 175 Scorecard refers to Kapil Dev’s legendary unbeaten 175 runs off 138 balls against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells on June 18, 1983. India was struggling at 17/5 when Kapil single-handedly rescued the innings, helping India post 266/8 and eventually winning by 31 runs.
2. Why is the Kapil Dev 175 considered the greatest ODI innings ever?
The Kapil Dev 175 is considered legendary because of the context—India was nearly out of the World Cup at 17/5. Kapil’s attacking innings with 16 fours and 6 sixes at a strike rate of 126.81 in 1983 (when such scoring was rare) saved India’s campaign and laid the foundation for their World Cup victory.
3. Was Kapil Dev’s 175 a world record?
Yes! At the time, the Kapil Dev World Record of 175 was the highest individual score in World Cup history. It remained the Kapil Dev Highest Score in ODIs for over a decade and is still regarded as the most impactful innings in ODI cricket.
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