When 174 deliveries produced just 36 runs, Gavaskar played the slowest knock in ODI history During the 1975 World Cup against England, Sunil Gavaskar scored an unbeaten 36 runs off 174 balls while chasing a massive target of 335 in London. Modern limited-overs cricket is overwhelmingly dominated by aggressive strokeplay, where spectators routinely anticipate boundary-filled overs and record-breaking quick fifties or centuries. While batting records continue to tumble in contemporary white-ball matches, one historical record from the inaugural era of one-day international cricket stands out for the complete opposite reason, remaining an unwanted feat that no current cricketer would ever want beside their name. The 1975 World Cup encounter in London The landmark slow innings took place during the 1975 World Cup when India locked horns with England in London. In an era where modern strike rates define a batter's value and market stature, former Indian batting stalwart Sunil Gavaskar produced an innings that finished with a strike rate of just 20.68. To this day, cricket historians view that performance as arguably the sluggish knock ever witnessed in the history of one-day international cricket. Chasing 335, Gavaskar stayed unbeaten on 36 from 174 balls Batting first in London, England made the most of their conditions and piled up a commanding total of 334 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 60 overs. A target of 335 runs was considered practically unassailable during the mid-1970s. When India began the run chase, Sunil Gavaskar walked out to open the batting and remained at the crease until the very end. Over the course of 174 deliveries, he managed just 36 runs without being dismissed. By the conclusion of their 60 overs, India crawled to 132 runs for 3 wickets, handing England a comprehensive victory by 202 runs. Factors that shaped the crawl at the crease There is little doubt that Sunil Gavaskar himself took no pride in the bizarre statistical outcome of that match. Several circumstances contributed to how that day unfolded on the pitch. In 1975, one-day cricket was still an unfamiliar format played over 60 overs per side, and players routinely approached it with traditional Test-match instincts rather than modern white-ball aggression. Faced with an imposing target of 335 runs, the Indian camp felt that a successful chase was practically out of reach from the opening overs. In response, Gavaskar treated the outing more like prolonged match practice to spend valuable time in the middle. Furthermore, he was struggling with lean batting form leading into the encounter, which prompted him to prioritize defensive survival over playing high-risk shots against the English bowling attack. What this means for you This historical match offers sports enthusiasts and young players a clear lens into the monumental evolution of limited-overs cricket tactics. • For cricket fans: It illustrates how dramatically white-ball strategy has transformed over the past half-century. The contrast between 60-over batting in 1975 and contemporary boundary-hitting showcases the sport's generational shift. • For budding cricketers: Pacing an innings according to match requirements remains a decisive modern skill. Adapting away from defensive red-ball habits is essential when facing demanding run chases. • For stats enthusiasts: Gavaskar's 36 not out from 174 deliveries stands as an enduring record for slow batting in ODIs. Watching a full 60-over innings unfold at a 20.68 strike rate is something modern cricket will likely never replicate. • For team strategists: Chasing steep totals demands positive intent and calculated risk-taking from ball one. Adopting an overtly defensive approach during big run chases only widens the margin of defeat. Why this happened This uniquely slow innings occurred due to an unfamiliarity with limited-overs cricket, a massive target, and poor batting form. • Unfamiliar format and Test mindset: In 1975, one-day cricket was in its infancy and contested over 60 overs per innings. Cricketers had not developed specialized white-ball skills and approached matches with traditional defensive Test techniques. • An overwhelming target: England had posted 334 runs on the board, a total widely regarded as insurmountable in that era. Believing the target was out of reach, the Indian side abandoned any realistic pursuit of victory. • Struggling form and match practice: Sunil Gavaskar was enduring a slump in batting form during that phase. He chose to treat the outing as extended batting practice in match conditions, focusing entirely on crease occupation. Questions & Answers 1. How many runs did Sunil Gavaskar score against England in the 1975 World Cup? He scored an unbeaten 36 runs after facing 174 deliveries. 2. What was England's total in that match? England scored 334 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 60 overs. 3. What was India's final score in response? India finished their 60 overs at 132 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. 4. By what margin did England win the contest? England won the match comprehensively by 202 runs. 5. What was Gavaskar's strike rate during this knock? His strike rate during the 174-ball innings was just 20.68. https://trendkia.com/en/cricket/jaba-60-ovara-ke-maicha-men-bane-sirpha-36-rana-gavaskar-ki-174-gendon-vali-pari-aja-bhi-hairana-karati-hai-42946 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.