The 1987 Cricket World Cup was won by Australia after defeating England by 7 runs at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata. Till date, this was the most closely fought World Cup final. In the Indian sub-continent, people were eagerly awaiting an India-Pakistan final, but these teams could reach only up to the semi-finals. The West Indies team completely disappointed their fans by not being able to reach up to the semi-finals. In their first 3 group matches, this team won 1 match and lost 2 matches.
Group match against Sri Lanka
The fourth group match of the West Indies was against Sri Lanka on 21st October 1987. The venue for this match was Green Park, Kanpur. West Indies batted for 50 overs and collected 236 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Sri Lanka was able to restrict the West Indies to such a score due to the bowling performance of Ravi Ratnayeke who bowled 10 overs, gave away 41 runs and took 3 wickets. The top scorer was Phil Simmons who faced 126 balls and hit 89 runs. In spite of Arjuna Ranatunga remaining unbeaten on 86 in 100 balls, Sri Lanka succumbed to 211 for 8 in 50 overs. Patrick Patterson claimed 3 wickets for 31 runs in 10 overs. West Indies won the match by 25 runs. Simmons was declared as the Man of the Match.
Group match against England
England and West Indies clashed in a group match on 26th October 1987 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. In 50 overs, England accumulated 269 runs for 5 wickets. Graham Gooch piled up 92 runs in 137 deliveries. Patrick Patterson made 3 dismissals for 56 runs in 9 overs. West Indies failed to chase the total and was all out for 235 in 48.1 overs. Richie Richardson put up a brave effort of 93 runs in 130 balls. Phillip DeFreitas bowled 9.1 overs, conceded 28 runs and picked up 3 wickets. England won this match by 34 runs. The Man of the Match was Gooch.
Group match against Pakistan
The last group match of West Indies was against Pakistan at National Stadium, Karachi on 30th October 1987. West Indies piled up 258 runs for 7 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs, Richie Richardson stockpiled 110 runs in 135 deliveries. Wasim Akram bowled 10 overs, gave away 45 runs and made 3 dismissals. In their 50 overs, Pakistan made just 230 runs for 9 wickets. Rameez Raja was the top scorer with 70 runs in 111 balls. Patrick Patterson claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs in his 10 overs. West Indies won by 28 runs. Richardson was honored as the Man of the Match.
In the 6 group matches, West Indies won 3 matches and lost 3 matches. It was placed in the 3rd position in Group B and hence had to exit from the tournament.