The 1975 Cricket World Cup marked the first time that the mega event was held in England. The tournament saw 8 teams compete in a round-robin format before the top 4 advanced to the semi-finals. In the 6th match of the event held on June 11, 1975 at Headingley, Leeds, India took on East Africa. In this post we talk about India Vs East Africa 6Th Match Scorecard June 11 1975 .
The East Africa team was not a regular international cricket playing nation, but rather was a composite side made up of players from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. They were minnows compared to the powerful Indian team at the time led by captain Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan.
Match Summary
India won the toss and elected to bat first on a typical English overcast morning. Openers Sudhir Naik and Sunil Gavaskar began cautiously against the East African new ball bowlers. But they gradually accelerated with Gavaskar scoring a fluent 65 runs from 105 balls including 5 fours. Naik made 43 runs from 69 balls as the pair put on an opening stand of 96 runs.
This set up a strong platform for the middle order. Brijesh Patel then entertained the crowd with an aggressive 70 runs from just 63 balls smashing 4 huge sixes and 2 fours. He was well supported by captain Venkataraghavan who made a run-a-ball 42.
India’s batting depth meant they piled on a massive total of 334/6 in their 60 overs. For East Africa, spinner Parmal Shah was the pick of the bowlers taking 2/43 in 12 overs. Seamers Dipak Chudasama and Jadhavji Kanji picked up a wicket each.
Chasing a monumental 335 to win, East Africa never really got going. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals right from the start of the innings. Opener Hemant Devani top scored with 32 runs. The middle order offered no resistance whatsoever with only 4 batsmen reaching double figures.
India’s bowlers shared the wickets around. Seamers Madan Lal, Abid Ali and Mohinder Amarnath snared 2 wickets each. Off-spinner Eknath Solkar also picked up a couple of scalps. India dismissed East Africa for just 120 in 37.3 overs to complete a massive 214 run victory.
Batting Performances
India’s openers Sudhir Naik and Sunil Gavaskar provided a solid start with a 96 run stand. Gavaskar batted well for his 65 which included five crisp boundaries.
Brijesh Patel really took the attack to East Africa’s bowlers during his belligerent knock of 70 from just 63 balls. His free-flowing strokeplay and 4 huge sixes changed the tempo of the Indian innings.
Captain S. Venkataraghavan also batted superbly to remain unbeaten on 42 from 42 deliveries. His late order cameo increased India’s momentum.
For East Africa, Dipak Chudasama, Jadhavji Kanji and Parmal Shah each took a wicket but struggled to contain the Indian batsmen conceding over 5 runs per over.
Bowling Performances
India’s bowling unit worked in tandem to bowl out East Africa for a paltry 120 in just 37.3 overs.
Seamers Madan Lal, Abid Ali and Mohinder Amarnath shared the bulk of the wickets taking 2 wickets each. They gave no freebies to the East African batsmen, bowling tight probing lines and lengths.
Off-spinner Eknath Solkar provided good support by picking up 2 wickets of his own. He kept the pressure on through the middle overs giving away just 3.5 runs per over.
For East Africa, their inexperienced bowling attack had no answers against the strong Indian batting lineup. No bowler really stood out as all struggled for penetration on a flat pitch.
Match Analysis
India went into the match as overwhelming favorites against the amateur East Africa side playing their first ever World Cup. They lived up to their billing by dominating all facets of play.
The Indian openers started well to build a solid platform. Then explosive middle order batting from Patel and Venkataraghavan allowed India to post a massive 334/6 which was always going to be beyond East Africa’s capability.
In response, East Africa never got any momentum in their innings. Wickets tumbled consistently as Indian bowlers maintained pressure through discipline line and lengths. They were bundled out for 120 to hand India a crushing 214 run victory.
The win reinforced India as one of the pre-tournament favorites. For East Africa, it was a learning experience as they discovered the step up in class against Full Member sides. India would go on to reach the semi-finals of this 1975 World Cup tournament.
Match Highlights
- Sudhir Naik and Sunil Gavaskar put on 96 runs for the opening wicket to provide a solid start for India.
- Brijesh Patel played an explosive knock, smashing 70 runs from just 63 balls including 4 huge sixes.
- India captain S. Venkataraghavan remained unbeaten on 42 from 42 balls, accelerating the scoring rate.
- India piled up an imposing total of 334/6 from their 60 overs.
- Seamers Madan Lal, Abid Ali and Mohinder Amarnath took 2 wickets each as India bundled out East Africa for 120.
- Off-spinner Eknath Solkar gave good support with figures of 2/21 in 7 overs.
- India won comprehensively by 214 runs against minnows East Africa in this 1975 World Cup clash.
In summary
India outplayed East Africa across all departments to record a crushing 214 run win in this 1975 World Cup group match. A powerful all-round performance saw them completely dominate the encounter against the amateur East African side. It was a huge mismatch as India showcased their strength in depth to get their World Cup campaign off to a strong start. I hope this India Vs East Africa 6Th Match Scorecard June 11,1975 post helped you.
