Cricket is a sport that always surprises a fan happily and sadly. A fan expects his team to win against low-ranked nations. The fans of the low-ranked team hope that their team can give a fight. However, the surprise is when that low-ranked team suddenly wins against major cricketing nations to disrupt the cricketing world.
1. Bangladesh Beat India Convincingly (2007 50- Over World Cup)
Indian fans have a lot of expectations from their cricket team in the World Cups. The expectations in the 2007 World Cup were no different. However, the results were different. In a much-needed winning match, Bangladesh surprised everyone by defeating India by 5 wickets to knock them out of the tournament.
2. Zimbabwe Shocks Australia (2007 T-20 World Cup)
Many experts said that Australia was one of the favorites to win the inaugural T-20 World Cup. Hence, cricket fans expected them to defeat Zimbabwe in their group match. However, the minnows in Zimbabwe had different ideas. They played with more determination and ambition to win more than Australia. Hence, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 5 wickets with great performances from captain Brendan Taylor and Elton Chigumbura.
3. Namibia Shocks Asian Giants Sri Lanka (2022 T-20 World Cup)
Sri Lanka had just won the Asia Cup before the 2022 T-20 World Cup. Therefore, the Lankans were confident before their first group match against minnows Namibia. However, Namibia also had a fighting spirit in their biggest game. Hence, they scored a total of 163. However, experts and cricket fans expected Sri Lanka to chase the total. However, the brilliant bowling from David Wiese and the rest of the bowling unit of Namibia meant that they got Sri Lanka all out for 108 in 19 overs to win the match.
4. Ireland Shock Cricketing Giants England (2011 50-OVER World Cup)
England faced minnows Ireland in their group B match in the 2011 50-over World Cup. Everyone thought England would win the game convincingly after their tied game with India. The fans also expected a high-scoring match in favour of England. They were right in one aspect. England did get a huge total of 327 in their 50 overs. However, the result did not go in their favour. Ireland surprised everyone with their batting. Their star batsman Kevin O’Brien scored a century of only 50 balls. Therefore, Ireland defeated the mighty England by 3 wickets.
5. Netherlands Shock England In A Thriller (2009 T-20 World Cup)
The Netherlands was a minor nation in the 2009 T-20 World Cup. They were also an inexperienced team. Therefore, everybody thought England would defeat the Dutch team. England were also playing at their home. However, the Dutch gave their best against England. The Dutch had a 163-run target to chase. They kept on fighting till the last ball. In the end, they chased 2 runs in the last ball through a Stuart Broad overthrow. Hence, the Netherlands beat England by 4 wickets on the last ball. The game also reminded us of the reason cricket is loved by many.
6. Zimbabwe Defeated Pakistan In A Thriller (2022 T20 World Cup)
Zimbabwe came as a more established cricket team in the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, none of the experts believed that they would beat Pakistan. Although, Zimbabwe used all of their experience of playing Pakistan before the T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe managed only 130 runs on the board. However, the brilliant bowling performance from Sikandar Raza and the rest of the bowling unit meant that they won the match on the last ball. Zimbabwe beat the top Pakistan team by 2 runs in a thriller.
7. Canada Upset The Rising Giants Bangladesh (2003 50-Over World Cup)
Bangladesh had started to play against big nations. They were a nation on the rise in world cricket. Therefore, many backed Bangladesh to win the match against minnows Canada. Canada was seen as a group of Asian cricketers rejected by their country of birth. Therefore, nobody took them seriously in the World Cup. Bangladesh also bowled them out for 180 runs. However, Canada surprised everyone with their brilliant bowling. Austin Codrington got 5 wickets for Canada. Whereas, the rest of the bowling of the unit also chipped in with wickets. Therefore, Bangladesh was all out for only 120 runs and Canada won the historic match.
8. On The Rise Afghanistan Shock West Indies (2016 T20 World Cup)
West Indies had already qualified for the next stage of the T20 World Cup. Hence, their game against Afghanistan was a dead rubber. However, the team of Afghanistan took the match seriously. However, everybody expected West Indies to win the match despite resting their star batsman Chris Gayle. Afghanistan managed only 123 runs on the board. However, the West Indies lost their way after a great start. Therefore, Afghanistan beat the West Indies by 6 runs. The win of Afghanistan also sounded more impressive as the West Indies won the 2016 T20 World Cup beating England in the finals.
9. England Made A Mess Of Their Run Chase To Lose Against The Netherlands (2014 T20 World Cup)
England was already out of the 2014 T20 World Cup. However, they had the opportunity to finish the campaign with a win against the Netherlands. Although, it looks like the Dutch players especially bowlers had different ideas. The Netherlands put a fighting total of 133 on the scoreboard. However, in the end, 133 was more than enough. England got out for only 88 runs courtesy of brilliant Dutch bowling. This World Cup campaign forced England to change their selection policy in T20 World Cups.
10. Ireland Shocked Pakistan In A Rain-Affected Match (2007 50-Over World Cup)
Ireland faced Pakistan in their group match of the 2007 World Cup. The Irish bowlers bowled brilliantly. Hence, they restricted Pakistan to only 133 runs on the board. The rain affected the chase of Ireland. However, the match resumed shortly. Ireland had a target of 128 of 47 overs to chase. The Irish had to struggle to get partnerships. However, the brilliant innings of Niall O’Brien of 72 runs got the Irish cricket team over the line. This win also opened a lot of opportunities for the Ireland cricket team as they were an associate nation back then. The surprising wins prove that in cricket anyone can beat anyone. It proves that your ability on the matchday has to be perfect to win you the match and put yourself in the limelight.
