In cricket, as in any sport, a strong team falling to an inexperienced one is considered a major upset. Just as in football or hockey, cricket has witnessed some big upsets over the years, and the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies is no exception.
Last night, a significant upset unfolded as Pakistan’s experienced team suffered a defeat at the hands of the USA team in the ICC T20 World Cup, marking another major upset in the tournament.
The International Cricket Council has also highlighted the top 5 major upsets in ICC T20 World Cup history:
USA Defeats Pakistan (2024):
In a surprising turn of events on Thursday night, the host team of the first-ever World Cup, the USA, delivered a stunning blow to the strong and experienced Pakistan team, clinching a historic upset.
In the Group A match played in Dallas, the USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first.
Pakistan scored 159 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. In response, the USA also scored 159 runs, losing 3 wickets. The match was tied, and it was decided in the Super Over.
In the Super Over, the USA scored 18 runs while batting first. Pakistan’s attempt to chase the target fell short as American fast bowler Surabh Neeravolkar’s brilliant bowling restricted them to just 13 runs.
Thus, the USA achieved a historic victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup.
Ireland Upsets England (2022):
In 2022, during the ICC T20 World Cup held in Australia, Ireland once again stunned England, knocking them out and causing a major upset under the DLS method.
In the match played in Melbourne, Ireland scored 157 runs while batting first. Due to rain, England’s batting line-up failed miserably, and the entire team collapsed at 105 runs in 14.3 overs.
At that time, England was trailing by 5 runs according to the DLS method, but the rain didn’t stop, leading to Ireland’s victory.
It should be noted that Ireland had also defeated England in the 2011 ICC T20 World Cup.
Namibia’s Victory Over Sri Lanka (2022):
Namibia stunned Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka, batting first, set a target of 163 runs. Namibia’s strong bowling performance restricted Sri lanka to 108 runs, securing a remarkable upset victory.
Afghanistan’s Surprise Win Over West Indies (2016):
In 2016, Afghanistan shocked the cricket world by defeating the experienced West Indies team. Afghanistan’s bowling prowess limited the west Indies to a low score of 117 runs, clinching a historic victory.
Netherlands’ Victory Over England (2009):
In the 2009 T20 World Cup, Netherlands surprised cricket enthusiasts by defeating host nation England.Despite England setting a target of 162 runs, Netherlands chased it down in a thrilling finish, securing a memorable upset victory.
These instances demonstrate the captivating and unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where underdog teams can defy expectations and create history with their extraordinary performances.
