In the 1987 Cricket World Cup, England was placed in Group B along with Sri Lanka, West Indies and Pakistan. Each of these countries played 6 group matches before getting selected in the semi finals. Eventually, England reached the final, but was defeated by Australia, which under the captaincy of Allan Border lifted the 1987 Cricket World Cup.
Group match against West Indies
The first group match of England was against West Indies on 9th October 1987 at Municipal Stadium, Gujranwala. West Indies batted first and in the stipulated 50 overs, scored 243 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Richie Richardson faced 80 deliveries and scored 53 runs. Neil Foster claimed 3 wickets for 53 runs in 10 overs. England replied by scoring 246 runs for 8 wickets in 49.3 overs. Allan Lamb remained unbeaten on 67 in 68 deliveries. Carl Hooper bowled 10 overs, conceded 42 runs and took 3 wickets. England won this match by 2 wickets. Lamb was honored as the Man of the Match.
Group match against Pakistan
On 12th October 1987, Pakistan and England clashed in a group match at Pindi Club Ground, Rawalpindi. Pakistan accrued 239 runs for 7 wickets in 50 overs. Saleem Malik was the top scorer with 65 in 80 deliveries. Phillip DeFreitas bowled 10 overs, made 3 dismissals and gave away 42 runs. England was all out for 221 in48.4 overs. Mike Gatting faced 47 deliveries and managed 43 runs. Abdul Qadir took 4 wickets in 10 overs while conceding 31 runs. Pakistan was victorious in this match by 18 runs.
Group match against Sri Lanka
The venue for the group match between England and Sri Lanka was Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar. This match was played on 17th October 1987. Graham Gooch scored 84 runs in 100 deliveries as England piled up 296 runs for 4 wickets in 50 overs. Ravi Ratnayeke bowled 9 overs, conceded 62 runs and took 2 wickets. The Sri Lankan innings were interrupted by rain. Their target was decreased to 267 off 45 overs. In these overs, Sri Lanka could manage 158 runs for 8 wickets. Arjuna Ranatunga accumulated 40 runs in 67 deliveries. John Emburey took 2 wickets for 26 runs in 10 overs. England won this match by 108 runs.
Group match against Pakistan
The second group match between England and Pakistan was contested on 20th October 1987 at the National Stadium, Karachi. England batted first and stockpiled 244 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs. Bill Athey faced 104 balls and struck 86 runs. Imran Khan claimed 4 wickets for 37 runs in 9 overs. Pakistan batted for 49 overs and lost 3 wickets while collecting 247 runs. Ramiz Raja was the top scorer who made 113 runs in 148 deliveries. John Emburey picked up 1 wicket for 34 runs in 10 overs. Pakistan won this match by 7 wickets. Imran Khan was declared as the Man of the Match.
Out of the first four group matches, England won 2 matches and lost 2 matches. There was a need of an improved performance in order to enter the semi finals.