(PTI Photo)
Following USA’s surprising triumph over Pakistan in Dallas, let’s explore the most significant upsets in T20 World Cup history by examining the top five.
In a nation where baseball and rugby hold sway, the Monank Patel-led team has bolstered ICC’s efforts to foster cricket in the USA. Their remarkable feat unfolded as they secured one of the most significant upsets in T20 World Cup history on Thursday. Facing off against 2009 champions Pakistan in their Group A clash at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, the USA squad showcased their mettle. Despite a tie in regulation play with both teams scoring 159 runs in 20 overs, the USA maintained composure in the Super Over, sending reverberations throughout the cricketing community.
1. USA beat Pakistan, 2024 T20 World Cup: Undoubtedly, this accomplishment merits the pinnacle of recognition. Why? Consider this: The USA, relatively new to T20 cricket since their debut in 2019, had never encountered Pakistan in any international fixture prior to this encounter. Moreover, their experience against full-member ICC nations was limited, having played only four matches, with their inaugural encounter against Zimbabwe in 2022 resulting in three defeats. Additionally, entering the T20 World Cup as debutants and qualifying solely as hosts, the USA found themselves positioned at 12th in the ICC rankings, juxtaposed with Pakistan, boasting a championship title in 2009 and runners-up status in the preceding 2022 edition.
Despite the USA team primarily comprising players who plied their trade in cricketing nations such as India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand until recently, their victory over Pakistan was unexpected given the divergent forms of the two sides. However, the USA team showcased not only superior strategic acumen in utilizing their resources against the seasoned Pakistan side but also displayed remarkable composure under pressure during both the final stages of their chase and the subsequent Super Over.
2. Zimbabwe beat Australia, 2007 T20 World Cup: Elton Chigumbura’s early breakthroughs in the group-stage encounter defied Australia’s decision to bat first, leaving the white-ball specialists reeling at three wickets down for a mere 19 runs within just four overs. Although Brad Hodge and Andrew Symonds attempted to muster resistance, they were contained to a modest total of 138 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Brendan Taylor’s undefeated 60 off 45 deliveries proved pivotal as Zimbabwe navigated through the nail-biter, securing victory with balls to spare in the chase.
3. Netherlands beat England, 2009 T20 World Cup: In the sole T20 World Cup match held at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground, the hosts managed to set a commendable total of 162 for five, buoyed by a century opening partnership forged by Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright. However, the anticipated poor start for the Netherlands materialized when James Anderson claimed a wicket in just the fifth ball of their innings. Yet, the visitors rallied, propelled by a resilient 60-run partnership between Tom de Grooth and Peter Borren. This resurgence by the Men in Orange culminated in one of the tournament’s most memorable victories.
4. Zimbabwe beat Pakistan, 2022 T20 World Cup: In the midst of cricketing challenges within their nation, Zimbabwe achieved another remarkable milestone in the sport’s history by stunning Pakistan in 2022. Despite setting a target of 131, which seemed insufficient against a seasoned Pakistan lineup, Shahn Masood’s resilient 44 off 38 provided hope. However, Sikandar Raza’s outstanding performance made the chase arduous for the former champions, as he claimed three wickets for a mere 25 runs, ultimately limiting Pakistan to just 129 for eight.
5. Afghanistan beat West Indies, 2016 T20 World Cup: Afghanistan’s ascent as a formidable force in T20I cricket is a relatively recent phenomenon. However, in 2016, during the early stages of their cricketing journey, they faced a formidable Windies lineup boasting players like Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, and Daren Sammy. Despite the odds stacked against them, Afghanistan’s victory seemed unlikely, particularly after Samuel Badree’s inspired performance restricted them to a modest total of 123. Yet, Afghanistan’s spin duo, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, had other ideas. With two wickets each, they sent the 2012 champions tumbling, paving the way for Afghanistan’s historic six-wicket triumph. Adding to their glory, West Indies later rebounded to clinch the tournament for the second time, further enhancing Afghanistan’s achievement.
