As the showpiece of world cricket kicks off in 17 days in Australia, Sport360 takes a look at the magic behind the number '17' – with India's Madan Lal stealing the spotlight in 1983. 

West Indies were dominating the world cricket scene like a lone crocodile feasting on ducks in the 1970s and 80s having won the first two editions of the tournament in 1975 and 1979.

It appeared they were all set to win the 1983 World Cup to complete an impressive hat-trick but their dream received a jolt in the final against and India side into the final with seamers Madan Lal, Roger Binny and Kapil Dev at the top of their game.

West Indies opted to bowl first in the final and dismissed India cheaply on 183, a target of 184 should have been a walk in the park by their standards.

However, it all turned very dramatic with West Indies losing wickets early courtesy of a three-wicket burst from Madan, who removed world-class batsman Desmond Haynes, Sir Viv Richards and Larry Gomes.

West Indies never recovered from the blow and bundled out for 140. India were declared new world champions with a 43-run win in the final.

Madan’s precious three wickets took his tally to 17 scalps and he ended up as the second highest wicket-taker at the 1983 World Cup behind team-mate Binny, who ended up with 18 wickets.