Bishan Singh Bedi triggers African run-famine

Bishan Singh Bedi triggers African run-famine.

By CricketCountry Staff

East Africa vs India, Prudential World Cup, Headingley, 11th June 1975

India won by 10 wickets

It was a game that required India to show their fans that they can give better account of themselves after their slow-scoring shame against England in the World Cup opener in which Sunil Gavaskar batted right through the 60 overs to score 36 not out. India were pounded by England, losing the World Cup opener by a massive 202 runs.

East African captain Harilal Shah won the toss and told his counterpart, Srinivas Venkataraghvan, of his decision to bat first.

And, what followed was an absolute crawl at Headingley. In fact, the soporific proceedings were largely due to left-arm spinner Bishen Singh Bedi keeping tight leash on the opposition batsmen Bedi had come into the game replacing Karsan Ghavri, and the move paid off big time.

Coming in as first change, Bedi completely starved the opposition for runs, finishing with highly frugal analysis of 12-8-6-1. After the openers sauntered to 36 in 22 overs, Bedi took centrestage.

The miserly bowling spell from Bedi put India in the box seat as East Africa were bowled out for 120 in 55.3 overs.

Bedi’s bowling effort was handsomely complemented by half-centuries from openers – Sunil Gavaskar and Farokh Engineer as India cantered home with more half of their overs remaining.