Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, and upsets are not uncommon in the sport. The unpredictability of the game is what makes it so exciting, and nothing is more thrilling than watching an underdog team pull off a shock victory against a more fancied opponent. Over the years, there have been many instances where the underdog teams have defied the odds and created history by defeating the giants of the game. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 biggest upsets in cricket history and relive the moments that have become iconic in the sport.
1. Kenya vs West Indies, 1996 World Cup
The 1996 World Cup saw Kenya create history by defeating the mighty West Indies by 73 runs. This victory was the first time a non-Test-playing nation had defeated a Test-playing nation in the World Cup. It was an incredible achievement for the Kenyan team, and it remains one of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
2. Zimbabwe vs Australia, 1983 World Cup
In the 1983 World Cup, Zimbabwe shocked the cricketing world by defeating Australia by 13 runs. This victory was significant as Australia was one of the favorites to win the tournament. It was an incredible performance by the Zimbabwean team, and it marked a turning point for Zimbabwe cricket.
3. Bangladesh vs Australia, 2005
In 2005, Bangladesh pulled off a massive upset by defeating Australia by five wickets in Cardiff. This victory was the first time Bangladesh had defeated a major cricketing nation, and it marked a turning point for Bangladesh cricket. This match is often regarded as one of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
4. Ireland vs England, 2011 World Cup
The 2011 World Cup saw Ireland create history by defeating England by chasing down a target of 328 runs to win the match by three wickets. This victory was the first time Ireland had defeated a Test-playing nation in a World Cup match. It was a stunning performance by the Irish team, and it will always be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
5. Bangladesh vs India, 2007 World Cup
In the 2007 World Cup, Bangladesh defeated India by five wickets in the group stage match. This victory was significant as India was one of the favorites to win the tournament. It was a remarkable performance by the Bangladesh team, and it marked a turning point for Bangladesh cricket.
6. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 1999 World Cup
In the 1999 World Cup, Sri Lanka was considered the favorite to win the tournament. However, Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the group stage match. It was a remarkable performance by the Zimbabwean team, and it remains one of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
7. Kenya vs Sri Lanka, 2003 World Cup
The 2003 World Cup saw Kenya shock the cricketing world by defeating Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the group stage match. This victory was significant as Sri Lanka was one of the favorites to win the tournament. It was an incredible performance by the Kenyan team, and it marked a turning point for Kenyan cricket.
8. Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1999 World Cup
The 1999 World Cup saw Bangladesh pull off a stunning upset by defeating Pakistan by 62 runs in the group stage match. This victory was significant as Pakistan was the defending champion of the tournament. Bangladesh batted first and posted a competitive total of 223 runs on the board. Pakistan was unable to chase the target down and were bowled out for just 161 runs. It was a remarkable performance by the Bangladesh team, and it marked a turning point for Bangladesh cricket.
9. Ireland vs Pakistan, 2007 World Cup
The 2007 World Cup saw Ireland shock the cricketing world by defeating Pakistan by three wickets in the group stage match. This victory was significant as Pakistan was one of the favorites to win the tournament. Ireland won the toss and elected to field first, and the bowlers did an excellent job of restricting Pakistan to just 132 runs. In reply, Ireland chased down the total with just three balls to spare. It was an incredible performance by the Irish team, and it marked a turning point for Ireland cricket.
10. Bangladesh vs South Africa, 2015 World Cup
In the 2015 World Cup, Bangladesh pulled off a stunning upset by defeating South Africa by 9 wickets in the group stage match. South Africa was one of the favorites to win the tournament, but they were no match for the Bangladesh team on that day. South Africa batted first and posted a total of 209 runs on the board. In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, losing just one wicket in the process. It was a dominant performance by the Bangladeshi team, and it will always be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in cricket history.
