5 biggest upsets in T20 World Cups
The colossal upsets that shock both the competing players and the spectators tend to be some of the best scenes in any international competition. Undoubtedly, a surprise result is not good for anyone involved, but unaffiliated spectators who are rooting for the underdogs to triumph love it every time it transpires. Over the years, there have also been many surprises at the T20 World Cup. Here is a look at some of them:
5. Namibia defeat Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2022
The 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup began with a major upset as Namibia defeated the Asian Champions Sri Lanka to open their campaign on a high note. Namibia set a 164-run target while batting first. Sri Lanka kept losing wickets regularly, and could not gain momentum in the game. As a result, Sri Lanka was dished out for 108 runs.
4. Bangladesh defeat West Indies, T20 World Cup 2007
One of the biggest shocks came in when Bangladesh defeated the Caribbean side in the inaugural edition of the tournament. It was a must-win game for West Indies in order to move further, but Bangladesh’s Mohammad Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed completed a brilliant chase to win the game.
3. Afghanistan defeat West Indies, T20 World Cup 2016
It was a memorable year for the Men in Maroon as they emerged as the T20 Champions, lifting the trophy for the second time. West Indies, the only team to have won the title twice in the history of the T20 World Cup, lost just one game during their 2016, against Afghanistan. West Indies failed to chase a low target of 124 runs.
2. Netherlands defeat England, T20 World Cup 2009
This would be one game that England players would like to forget, but it will keep haunting them whenever they hear ‘Netherlands’. England suffered a horrific defeat at the home of cricket- The Lord’s when the Netherlands chased down the 162-run target set by the hosts. Being a formidable side, and the hosts, England was a force to reckon with but the Netherlands pulled off a miracle.
1. Zimbabwe defeat Australia, T20 World Cup 2007
In the inaugural edition of the 20-over tournament, Zimbabwe locked horns with Ricky Ponting’s Australia. The African side, compared to Ponting’s formidable Australia, looked like minnows in the tournament, but then, they did the unthinkable. The bowlers managed to restrict Australia to 138/9, and later wicket-keeper Brendan Taylor’s unbeaten 60 helped Zimbabwe pull off a historic win.
