The 1983 Cricket World Cup had a Round Robin and Knockout tournament format. Initially, each team participated in 6 group matches. Depending upon the outcome of these matches, top 2 teams were selected from each Group to take part in the semi final. The winners of the semi final played in the final. This championship was won by India after beating West Indies in the final. Zimbabwe, which was in Group B, won its first group match while lost the next two group matches.
Group match against Australia
The fourth group match of Zimbabwe was played on 16th June 1983 against Australia at County Ground, Southampton. Australia batted first and amassed 272 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 60 overs, Graeme Wood faced 121 deliveries and hit 73 runs. For Zimbabwe, John Traicos made 2 dismissals for 28 runs in 12 overs. Zimbabwe managed to reach the 240 run mark in 59.5 overs. Dave Houghton scored 84 runs in 108 balls and for this knock he was chosen as the Man of the Match. Rodney Hogg bowled 11.5 overs, conceded 40 runs and took 3 wickets. Australia won this match by 32 runs.
Group match against India
On 18th June 1983, India and Zimbabwe played a group match at Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells. This match is mainly remembered for Kapil Dev’s knock of 175 not out which he attained in 138 balls. This knock enabled India to reach 266 for the loss of 8 wickets in 60 overs. Peter Rawson took 3 wickets while giving away 47 runs in 12 overs. In reply, Zimbabwe managed 235 runs in 57 overs. The top scorer was Kevin Curran who made 73 off 93 deliveries. Madan Lal took 3 wickets in 11 overs and conceded 42 runs. Kapil Dev was honored as the Man of the Match. India won this match by 31 runs.
Group match against West Indies
The last group match of Zimbabwe was played at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 20th June 1983 and the opponent was West Indies. Zimbabwe was bowled out for 171 in 60 overs. The maximum runs were scored by Kevin Curran. He faced 92 balls and scored 62 runs. Wayne Daniel made 3 dismissals and conceded 28 runs in 9 overs. West Indies did not loose a single wicket and piled up 172 runs in 45.1 overs. The top scorer was Desmond Haynes. He faced 136 balls and remained unbeaten on 88. West Indies won this match by 10 wickets.
Zimbabwe won one group match and lost five group matches. It accrued 4 points and was at the bottom of Group B. So, it was not selected for the semi-final and had to exit from the 1983 Cricket World Cup.