World Cup is where every team performs to their best, as it comes “Once in four years”. Some couples start their World Cup campaign as the Favourites, like India, Australia, and England, whereas others are considered Underdogs. But Sometimes, these Underrated teams also perform better and become the hurdle of the Favourite ones by defeating them. These teams are responsible for converting the point table, and often, they destroy other teams’ hope for a knockout. And we have seen many sets in the World Cups. As World Cup season has arrived, there’s a list of 10 Biggest Upsets that no one expected.
1. India Vs Bangladesh, 2007
This World Cup is considered India’s nightmare, as they got eliminated in the Group stage. It was the 8th match of the World Cup, and India won the toss and chose to bat first. Despite Sourav Ganguly’s solid innings, wickets were falling regularly. India put the target a decent target of 192. When Bangladesh came to bat, Tamim Iqbal gave a strong start to his team. Then, a solid partnership of 84 runs took place between Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, and by five wickets, Bangladesh won the match. This defeat shocked India, and still, this match is considered one of the biggest upsets in the World Cups.
2. England Vs Ireland, 2011
It was the first time when Ireland gave their biggest upset by defeating England. It Was the 15th match of the World Cup, and England won the toss and chose to bat first. Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell played the crucial innings for England and set a target of 328, which looked impossible. Ireland did not start well, as both openers got out in powerplay. After this, Kevin O’Brien played an exceptional innings of 113, which helped them win their biggest World Cup match.
3. Australia Vs Zimbabwe, 1983
It was the 3rd match of the World Cup, and That time, Australia was looking very strong in front of Zimbabwe. It was when the World Cup used to be of 60 Overs. Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. With the crucial contribution of Zimbabwe skipper Duncan Fletcher, Zimbabwe scored 239 runs in 60 Overs and set a target of 240, which used to be a good target. Apart from Kepler Wessels and Rod Marsh, no one scored big runs. At last, Zimbabwe managed to win the match by 13 runs.
4. England Vs Sri Lanka, 2019
England was considered the “Most Favourite” to win this World Cup, as they were the host team. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite losing the initial two wickets, they bounced back in which Angelo Mathews played the crucial knock of 85, and he brought the total to 232 runs. England had a target of 233. England would easily win this match, but Lasith Malinga’s deadly bowling pressured England. Even though Ben Stokes took the game in deep, they failed to chase. Sri Lanka won the game by 20 runs.
5. South Africa Vs Netherlands, 2023
It was the recent upset we saw in the World Cup. Despite a good team, South Africa is always known as the Chokers, and they proved it again. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. They were taking the wickets early, but Scott Edwards stood firmly and scored a match-winning knock of 78 runs, and they set a decent target of 246 runs. South Africa was losing his wickets at regular intervals. Despite David Miller and Keshav Maharaj’s efforts, South Africa lost the match by 38 runs, one of the biggest upsets yet.
6. England Vs Bangladesh, 2015
Bangladesh has the tradition of giving upsets in the World Cup, be it 2007 or 2015. They have proved themselves against Big-team. In this match, England won the toss and decided to bowl first. They took the first three wickets very quickly. Then, Mahmudullah built a strong partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim. Mahmudullah scored a century, and Bangladesh set a target of 276 for England. No one scored crucial runs except Ian Bell and Jos Buttler from England's side, and England got all out at 260. Bangladesh won the match by 15 runs and made their spot in the Quarter-Finals.
7. West Indies Vs India, 1983
It was a Historic win for India, as they were considered Underdogs. India was not expected to win the World Cup against the unbeatable West Indies. However, West Indies won the toss and chose to field first. Kris Srikanth scored 38 runs, and Mohinder Amarnath scored 26 runs. India put a decent target of 184. West Indies wickets fell regularly, and India won an unbelievable match against West Indies. It was the 1st World Cup Trophy. Mohinder Amarnath got the Man of the Match for his crucial three wickets and 26 runs.
8. India vs Zimbabwe, 1999
It was the biggest upset for India in the 1999 World Cup. In this match, India was playing in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar. India won the toss and elected to bowl first. Andy Flower scored 68 runs for Zimbabwe and set a target of 253 runs. Sadagoppan Ramesh scored 55 runs, and Ajay Jadeja also scored 43 runs. It looked like team India would easily win this match, but Henry Olonga took the last three wickets in just one over. With this, Zimbabwe sealed the win by three runs.
9. England vs Afghanistan, 2023
Recently, we have seen two of the biggest upsets in the World Cup. However, in most of it, England was on the losing side. In this match, England won the toss and elected to bowl first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 80 runs, and with Ikram Alikhil’s crucial innings, Afghanistan scored 284 runs. From England’s side, no one played important innings except Harry Brook. Afghanistan won by 69 runs, and the whole ground cheered for Afghanistan. That is the reason why cricket has no boundaries.
10. Ireland Vs Pakistan, 2007
It was also a bad World Cup for Pakistan, as they needed help to make their way to the knockouts. However, Ireland won the toss and decided to bowl first. Pakistan’s batting collapsed, and they set the target of 133 for Ireland. From Ireland’s side, Niall O’Brien scored 72 runs, and Ireland won the match by three wickets with 32 balls remaining. Niall O’Brien got the Player of the Game for his performance.
