When Zimbabwe Stun Powerful Australia...

Cricket is a game of uncertainties and the saying seems to be a perfect fit for a group match between Australia and Zimbabwe in the 1983 Prudential World Cup. In one of the biggest upset s of World Cup, Zimbabwe beat Australia by 13 runs. It was the first appearance of Zimbabwe in the competition and they brought off a bigger surprise than any in the previous two World Cups.

Zimbabwe made their debut in the 1983 Prudential World Cup and was the only non-test playing nation among eight participating teams. Zimbabwe were placed alongside Powerful West Indies, Australia and India in group B.

Match Summary - Australia vs Zimbabwe, 9th June 1983, Trent Bridge

Australia won the toss and elected to to bowl first at Trent Bridge. The pitch was offering help to the seamers and as expected Zimbabwe's batting collapsed against world class bowling attack of Australia comprising of Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Geoff Lawson. Zimbabwe lost half their side for under 100. But it was an heroic inning from skipper Duncan Fletcher (69*) who along with the support from Kevin Curran (27) and Ian Butchart (34*) helped Zimbabwe to reach 239 in 60 overs. An important contribution of 31 runs came from Australian bowlers as well in the form of extras which later proved to be a significant part in Zimbabwe's total.

Chasing down the target of 240, Australia got off to a slow start. Though the opening pair contributed 61 before G Wood fell for 31, the run rate was slow. Zimbabwe showcased fine execution of fielding and made difficult for Australian batsman to score. The set batsman and highest scorer for Australia - Kepler Wessels (run-out for 72) was the result of some fine fielding. It was Fletcher's day, after a brilliant fifty he bowled 4 top order batsmen of Australia to guide his team to maiden victory in ODI and world Cup. Australia managed to score 226/7 in 60 overs and lost the match by 13 runs. 

Picture - Cutting of an old newspaper - The Club Cricketer

Sahir