Collis Llewellyn King, a former West Indian cricketer, is best remembered for his exceptional performance in the 1979 World Cup final against England. Born on October 16, 1957, in Georgetown, Guyana, King’s astonishing innings on that grand stage solidified his place in cricketing history.
In the final match of the World Cup, West Indies found themselves in a precarious situation, losing four wickets for just 99 runs. It was then that Collis King, known for his explosive batting style, joined forces with the iconic Viv Richards. What unfolded next was an extraordinary display of instinct and power-hitting that mesmerized the world.
King wreaked havoc on the English bowling attack, mercilessly punishing every loose delivery that came his way. In a magnificent exhibition of stroke play, he blazed his way to 86 runs off just 66 balls, delivering a fatal blow to England’s hopes of lifting the trophy. His destructive partnership with Richards, adding 139 runs in just 21 overs, pushed the match completely out of England’s reach.
However, despite the euphoria and acclaim he received for his heroics in the World Cup final, King failed to replicate that level of success throughout his career. His decision to join World Series Cricket significantly disrupted his progress and limited further opportunities to showcase his talents. Nevertheless, his exceptional batting in the highest of pressure situations will forever be etched in the memory of cricket fans across the globe.
Unfortunately, King’s cricketing journey took a somber turn when he decided to tour South Africa with the rebel West Indies side during the controversial 1982-83 season. This decision effectively ended his international career, leaving many to wonder what heights he could have reached had circumstances been different.
After his international stint, King continued playing cricket for a few more seasons in South Africa, representing Natal in the Currie Cup. Eventually, he chose to retire from the sport and settled in England, where he could reflect on his memorable innings in the World Cup final and enjoy life beyond cricket.
Collis Llewellyn King, though his international cricket career may have been relatively short-lived, touched the hearts of cricket enthusiasts with an extraordinary innings that defined a generation. His explosive batting style, coupled with his ability to seize the moment, earned him an everlasting reputation as one of the West Indies’ most memorable cricketers.
