The keenness of the authorities to build on the success of the first two editions was also a factor that prompted the tweaking of the format, of course. More matches obviously meant greater financial gains. Those behind the revised format would have felt vindicated when the tournament got underway with not one, but two upsets on the opening day itself.

Australia were stunned by debutants Zimbabwe and the West Indies suffered their first defeat in a World Cup match after 10 consecutive wins. Ironically, but quite appropriately for a tournament that had begun with two shock results, the third World Cup ended with one of the greatest upsets in sporting history. Kapil Dev's Indian team, which had beaten Clive Lloyd's 'Invincibles' on the opening day of the competition, stunned the two-time champions on its last day and returned home to a rapturous welcome.