While opinions on the most embarrassing defeats in international cricket may vary, here is a list of ten notable matches that are often considered embarrassing for the respective teams-
1o Most Embarrassing Defeats in international cricket
Subscribe to our official youtube
1. England vs. Ireland (2011):
In a remarkable turn of events, Ireland achieved a historic victory over England in a One-Day International (ODI) match during the World Cup. After England won the toss and elected to bat, they posted a challenging total of 327 with notable contributions from Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, and Ian Bell, all scoring half-centuries. At 111-5, Ireland faced an enormous task. However, a sensational comeback ensued, led by Kevin O’Brien.
Kevin O’Brien played an extraordinary innings, smashing the fastest-ever World Cup century off just 50 balls. His breathtaking knock, coupled with exceptional efforts from the entire Irish team, resulted in a stunning three-wicket victory over England. This triumph not only marked Ireland’s first win against England in an ODI but also showcased their ability to compete with and defeat top cricketing nations. The match will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup cricket history and is one of the most embarrassing defeats in international cricket
2. Bangladesh vs. Australia (2005):
In a surprising turn of events, Bangladesh achieved a memorable victory over the star-studded Australian side in an ODI match. After winning the toss, Australia’s strong lineup was expected to make a blistering start, but Mashrafe Mortaza dismissed Adam Gilchrist for a golden duck, setting the tone for an unexpected game.
Australia struggled to build a substantial total, relying on half-centuries from Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke to reach a defendable score of 249/5 in their allotted overs. Bangladesh faced a shaky start during their chase, losing three wickets with the score at 72. However, a remarkable partnership between Mohammad Ashraful and then-captain Habibul Bashar of 130 runs for the fourth wicket revived Bangladesh’s chances.
Unfortunately, Bashar was run out, but Ashraful continued his outstanding performance and scored his first ODI century. Despite his dismissal, Bangladesh held their nerve and achieved a remarkable 5-wicket victory over the 2003 World Champions, with four balls to spare is one of the most emabrrassing defeats for Australia.
3. India vs. Pakistan (2021):
In a historic victory, Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in their T20 World Cup opener. This was Pakistan’s first-ever win over India in a World Cup match. Mohammad Rizwan and captain Babar Azam played exceptional unbeaten innings, scoring half-centuries, and guided Pakistan to a comfortable total of 152-0 in 17.5 overs.
Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi played a significant role by taking three wickets, including the early dismissals of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, helping restrict India to 151-7. Despite Virat Kohli’s resilient knock of 57 runs, Pakistan’s comprehensive performance secured the victory in Group 2 of the Super 12s stage and is one of the most embarrassing defeats for India.
4. South Africa vs. Bangladesh (2022):
Bangladesh achieved a significant victory in South Africa, ending their long victory drought in the country with a 38-run win in the first one-day international (ODI) held at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Led by Shakib Al Hasan’s impressive batting display, Bangladesh posted a strong total of 314 runs for the loss of 7 wickets after being sent in to bat. Shakib scored a brilliant 77 off 64 balls, contributing significantly to his team’s total. The fast bowlers, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed, then put South Africa under pressure by reducing them to 36-3 in their chase.
Despite a valiant effort from Rassie van der Dussen, who scored 86, and David Miller, who made a hard-hitting 79, South Africa struggled to build partnerships and eventually were bowled out for 276.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Bangladesh, breaking their winless streak in South Africa and showcasing their capabilities in international cricket and is one of the most embarrassing defeats for South Africa.
5. India vs. England (2022):
In a dominant display, England cruised to a 10-wicket victory over India in the T20 World Cup, securing their spot in the final. The opening pair of Alex Hales and captain Jos Buttler delivered a record-breaking partnership, guiding England to an emphatic win at Adelaide Oval.
Hales remained unbeaten on 86 off 47 balls, while Buttler scored a blistering 80 off 49 balls. Their unbroken partnership sealed the victory in style, with Buttler hitting a six off Mohammed Shami’s delivery to finish the match. It was a statement win for England, highlighting their formidable form in the tournament and is one of the most embarrassing defeats for India.
6. Australia vs. Zimbabwe (1983):
In a match at Trent Bridge, Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. Zimbabwe struggled against Australia’s formidable bowling attack, losing half their side for under 100 runs. However, Zimbabwe’s captain Duncan Fletcher played a heroic innings of 69 not out, receiving support from Kevin Curran (27) and Ian Butchart (34*), allowing Zimbabwe to reach a total of 239 in 60 overs. Extras, including 31 runs from Australian bowlers, also contributed significantly to Zimbabwe’s total.
Chasing the target of 240, Australia had a slow start, with the opening partnership contributing 61 runs before G Wood was dismissed for 31. Zimbabwe’s fielding was exceptional, making it difficult for the Australian batsmen to score freely. Zimbabwe’s captain Duncan Fletcher had a standout day, scoring a brilliant fifty and also taking the wickets of four top-order Australian batsmen.
Kepler Wessels, who was Australia’s highest scorer with 72, was run out due to Zimbabwe’s excellent fielding. Despite their efforts, Australia could only manage to score 226/7 in 60 overs, falling short by 13 runs and handing Zimbabwe their first-ever victory in an ODI and the World Cup and is one of the most embarrassing defeats for Australia.
7. India vs. Bangladesh (2007):
In a Group B encounter at the ICC World Cup 2007, Bangladesh pulled off a stunning victory against India. Bangladesh pacer Mashrafe Mortaza showcased his skills as a top-rated bowler in ODIs during the match. Opting to field first, Bangladesh restricted India with early wickets, thanks to Mortaza’s impressive bowling. He dismissed Sehwag and Uthappa, while spinners Mohammad Rafique and Abdur Rehman also contributed to the team’s success.
Despite a resistance from Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh, India struggled to recover and were bowled out for 191. Mortaza’s final figures were 4 wickets for 38 runs. Bangladesh’s batsmen, including Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim, played crucial innings and guided their team to a surprising victory with nine balls and five wickets to spare. It was a memorable win for Bangladesh, marking only their third World Cup victory and one of the most embarrassing defeat for India.
8. Netherlands vs. West Indies (2023):
In an intense ICC World Cup qualifier game in Harare, the Netherlands emerged victorious in a thrilling Super Over contest against the West Indies. Logan van Beek played a pivotal role in the match, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball.
During the Super Over, van Beek displayed his batting prowess by smashing 30 runs off Jason Holder, including three fours and three sixes. His aggressive innings set a challenging target for the West Indies. In the following Super Over, van Beek continued to make an impact, taking two wickets for just eight runs. He dismissed Johnston Charles and Romario Shepherd, restricting the West Indies’ chances of victory.
Earlier in the game, the Netherlands chased down a massive target of 375 runs with the help of Teja Nidamanuru’s superb 111 off 76 balls and Scott Edward’s quickfire 67 off 47 balls and is one of the most embarrassing defeats for West Indies.
9. Pakistan vs. Ireland (2007):
Pakistan put up a disappointing batting performance against Ireland, struggling against the moving ball and collapsing to a low score of 132. Ireland’s bowlers, particularly Dave Langford-Smith and Boyd Rankin, exploited the conditions well.
However, Pakistan fought back fiercely in the second innings, led by Mohammad Sami’s aggressive bowling. They quickly dismissed two early Irish batsmen, Jeremy Bray and Eoin Morgan, and looked determined to make a comeback after their first innings debacle.
Niall O’Brien then provided resistance for Ireland, playing some attacking shots and stabilizing their innings. Despite a rain break interrupting his momentum, he continued to grind, scoring a gritty 72. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, with Ireland losing three quick wickets.
In a tense finish, Kevin O’Brien, Niall’s brother, held his nerves and played a patient innings, guiding Ireland to victory with a slow-paced 16 off 52 balls. His contribution sealed a dramatic and unforgettable win for Ireland, overcoming the challenges and securing a memorable triumph and one of the most embarrassing defeats for Pakistan.
10. England vs. Netherlands (2009):
In a match between England and the Netherlands, England won the toss and chose to bat first. Their opening pair of Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright got off to a blazing start, forming a century partnership in just 11.2 overs. However, England couldn’t capitalize on the strong start, and apart from Bopara and Wright, the other batsmen struggled to contribute significantly. They finished with a total of 162 runs in their 20 overs, with Wright top-scoring with 71.
Chasing 163, the Netherlands had a difficult start as England’s bowlers took early wickets. England seemed to have control over the match for most of the game. However, a composed innings by Tom de Grooth and valuable contributions from Peter Borren and Ryan ten Doeschate turned the tide in favor of the Netherlands. De Grooth scored 49 runs, while Borren and ten Doeschate added 30 and 22 runs respectively. Despite James Anderson’s efforts, who took three wickets for England, the Netherlands managed to chase down the target and secured a memorable victory and one of the most embarrassing defeats for England.