The ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has well and truly taken the world by storm. In what was perceived to be a boring one-sided tournament, the last few games have changed the entire outlook of the cricket fans’ perspective. It would be an understatement to say that the results of the last few matches took everyone by surprise.
While there have been a few upsets, the T20 WC is no stranger to the same. Over the years, there have been several occasions where the underdogs have stood up to the task, and have gone on to defeat a bigger side. Besides, fans always love to see relatively smaller sides go on to beat a well-reputed team. Today, we shall be taking a look at the :
Top-10 upsets in T20 World Cup History
1) Zimbabwe beating Australia- 2007:Â
The inaugural edition of the T20 WC saw Zimbabwe defeat the “invincible Aussies”. Australia, who were at the peak of their powers, were humiliated by the Zimbabwean side. A schilling 60* by Brendon Taylor and a disciplined bowling spell by Elton Chigumbura at the start of the innings propelled the African nation to a memorable win. They went on to chase 139 with five balls remaining.
2) USA beating Pakistan- 2024:
This is the latest edition to this list. While the ongoing edition of the T20 WC is being hosted in the United States of America with an intention of further promoting the sport in the nation, this match has done exactly that. The perennial underdogs stunned the decorated Pakistan as they beat them in a super over. It was the skipper, Monank Patel who led from the front with a superb half-century during USA’s chase. This victory will be one to cherish for the Americans for a very long time
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3) Afghanistan beating West Indies- 2016:
Although Afghanistan can’t be called minnows anymore, they were a relatively young and inexperienced team back in 2016. Thus, their victory over the West Indies during the T20 WC in 2016 came as an absolute shocker to the cricket pundits. The fact that the Darren Sammy-led side went on to win that edition goes on to show how big of an upset this was. It was Amir Hamza and a young Rashid Khan who ensured that the men in maroon don’t chase their target and thus, scripted a historic win.
4) Netherlands beating England- 2009:
In just their maiden T20 WC appearance, the Dutch managed to defeat England. After being reduced to 23 for 2 in the second innings, it looked like an impossible chase before Tom de Grooth hit a superb 49 from 30 balls which eased the pressure. However, a brain fade from Stuart Broad saw Netherlands score two off the final ball to win the game
5) Netherlands beating South Africa- 2022
The Dutch feature on this list once again. They managed to beat an in-form South Africa during the T20 WC in 2022. The Scott Edwards-led side had defended a 159 in this game. It is to be noted that the Proteas were one of the best performing teams of the tournament leading up to this game.
6) Namibia beating Sri Lanka- 2021:
The 2014-T20 WC champions Sri Lanka were handed a humiliating defeat by Namibia during the first round of the 2022 T20 WC. This game managed to grab attention across the globe. The fact that this was the inaugural game of the tournament made it an absolute icing on the cake.
7) Bangladesh beating West Indies- 2007:
A team that had the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Marlon Samuels was surely expected to beat Bangladesh. However, the Asian nation had other plans. Riding on Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed’s half-centuries, the Bangla tigers won a magnificent game.
8) Scotland beating Bangladesh- 2021:
The T20 WC in 2021 saw Scotland beat Bangladesh in the first round of the tournament. It is safe to call this an absolute heist. After being reduced to 53-6 in the first inning, Scotland got to 140 owing to a well-made 45 by Chris Greaves. After which, the Coetzer-led side defended the score, and went on to beat Bangladesh by 6 runs.
9) Netherlands beating England- Â 2014:
The Dutch feature on this list for the third time. That’s how impactful their tendency to punch above their waists truly is. They repeated history as the Netherlands went on to beat England during the 2014 edition by 45 runs. A team that had the likes of Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Alex Hales, Ravi Bopara and Moeen Ali were bundled for just 88 in the second innings.
10) Hong Kong beating Bangladesh-2014:
Hong Kong grabbed the cricketing headlines when they defeated Bangladesh during the 2014 edition of the T20 WC. This was during the first stage of the tournament. After bundling the Mushfiqur Rahim-led side for just 108, Hong Kong chased the total with two balls to spare, and created history. Nadeem Ahmed was awarded the player of the match award for his sensational four-fer.