In the final, India lost the toss and were asked to bat first against a West Indies team that arguably boasted the world's best bowling attack. Surprising resistance by the tail allowed India to compile 183 (all out, 54.4 overs). When Indian chips were down Kapil Dev said "Team if this is not a winning total its definitely a fighting total", one of the popular quotes of all time.
However, the Indian bowling exploited the weather and pitch conditions perfectly to bowl out the best batting lineup of the era for 140 from 52 overs in return, winning by 43 runs and completing one of the most stunning upsets in cricket history. Mohinder Amarnath was the most economical bowler, conceding just 12 runs from his seven overs while taking 3 wickets, and was once again awarded the Man of the Match award for his all-round performance.
Other memorable events on this day…
1948: Joe Louis beat 'Jersey' Joe Walcott at New York's Yankee Stadium to make the 25th and final defence of his world heavyweight title a successful one. Louis won in the 11th round and retired eight months later.
2002: Michael Ballack netted the only goal as Germany beat co-hosts South Korea in Seoul to reach the World Cup final, but he also picked up a yellow card which ruled him out of the showpiece match against Brazil.
2007: Arsenal striker Thierry Henry passed his medical to bring his £16million move to Barcelona a step closer.
2013: Real Madrid confirmed that former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti would take over for the 2013-14 season, which ended with Champions League glory.
