1983 World Cup
The Nevill Ground was selected as one of the host grounds for the 1983 Cricket World Cup. It hosted one group stage match between India and Zimbabwe on 18 June 1983. Kapil Dev scored 175 not out after India were 9−4, which helped India win by 31 runs and qualify into the semi-finals, thus avoiding a play-off against Australia. Dev's partnership with Syed Kirmani set a world record for the largest ninth wicket stand of 126. This match led to the Nevill Ground being held in high regard by Indian cricket fans with there being a view that the game at the Nevill Ground inspired a change in the way cricket was played in India. This led to players such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid playing for India in later years.
There was no footage taken of the match since the BBC was on strike on the day of the match, the Nevill Ground being ruled as too small with India and Zimbabwe being deemed too "irrelevant" for a camera crew to be sent to the match. Despite this there were reports of an Indian who filmed unofficial coverage of the match with a camcorder. The tape was purchased by Dev after the match for an unknown amount. However, it has been claimed that this is an urban legend and that there was no proof of this occurring.
In 2008, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the game, Dev returned to the Nevill Ground to film a news segment. Afterwards he was welcomed by representatives of Kent County Cricket Club and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
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