Cricket World Cup: 5 times when favourites won the title

#4 West Indies, 1979

West Indies successfully defended their title in 1979

In 1979, the defending champions began favourites again for the second successive time. The West Indies continued their unbeaten streak in World Cups and topped the group yet again.

In the semifinal match against Pakistan, the West Indian openers Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes set an opening partnership of 132. A late flourish from Vivian Richards, Captain Clive Lloyd, and Collis King saw West Indies finishing with 293.

In reply, Pakistan responded strongly. Losing the first wicket for a mere 10 run, Pakistan's Majid Khan and Zaheer Abbas stitched a 166 run partnership for the second wicket to keep Pakistan afloat.

However, failure from the other batsmen cost Pakistan the match as they fell short of the target by 43 runs.

In the final against England, West Indies began poorly losing four wickets for 99. However, a counter-attacking century from Sir Vivian Richards and a belligerent knock of 66 balls 86 by Collis King meant West Indies finished with 286.

In a tactical blunder, England's openers batted too slowly chasing 287. They batted out almost 40 overs while scoring only 132 with the run rate less than four. Other English batsmen perished in an attempt to up the ante as they got all out for 194 in 51 overs.

West Indies won the final by 92 runs and thus retained the trophy.