In the T20 World Cup’s 17-year history, there have been some major upsets that have shocked the cricket world. One of the most recent and significant upsets was when the USA defeated Pakistan in the 2024 tournament. The USA, ranked 12 places below Pakistan, managed to pull off a win in a super over after the scores were tied in the regulation 20 overs. This surprising victory led many to believe that cricket may finally gain popularity in the USA, a country more known for baseball.
Another notable upset occurred in 2009 when the Netherlands defeated England at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Despite England posting a score of 163, which was considered above par at the time, the Netherlands managed to chase it down with a 60-run partnership between Tom de Grooth and Peter Borren. This victory marked a significant moment for the Dutch team in the T20 World Cup history.
In 2014, Nepal caused a major upset by defeating Afghanistan in their T20 World Cup debut. Afghanistan, a rising team with players competing in leagues around the world, fell short of the target set by Nepal, captained by Paras Khadka. This victory showcased Nepal’s potential in the cricket world and added to the list of surprising outcomes in the tournament.
Namibia’s victory over Sri Lanka in 2022 was another unexpected result. Despite being part of the associate cricket circuit for many years, Namibia managed to defeat the 2014 T20 champions and 1996 50-over World Cup winners. With a strong bowling display, Namibia restricted Sri Lanka to 108 runs, leading to celebrations for the African team.
Afghanistan’s win over the West Indies in 2016 was a significant upset, considering the West Indies were one of the tournament favorites. Despite a powerful spin-bowling attack, the West Indies were unable to stop Afghanistan, who’s spinners Rashid Khan and Nabi played a crucial role in their victory. The West Indies went on to win the tournament, making Afghanistan’s win even more impressive.
Overall, these upsets highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the T20 World Cup. From the USA defeating Pakistan to smaller teams like Nepal and Namibia upsetting cricket powerhouses, these victories showcase the competitive nature of the tournament. With each upset, new opportunities for growth and development in cricket emerge, adding to the rich history of the T20 World Cup.
