5 most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has consistently produced some of the most shocking results in cricket history, underlining the unpredictable nature of the shortest format. While traditional powerhouses such as India, Australia, and England often enter tournaments as favourites, associate nations and underdog teams have repeatedly defied expectations with fearless and inspired performances.

Over the years, these surprise victories have added immense excitement to the global event. Here let us take a look at five of the most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Here are the five most shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history

5. USA vs Pakistan, 2024

During the 2024 T20 World Cup, the United States of America stunned Pakistan in their very first appearance at the tournament. Pakistan posted 159 for 7 in their 20 overs, with Babar Azam scoring 44 and Shadab Khan contributing 40. For the USA, Nosthush Kenjige impressed with figures of 3 for 30.

In reply, the USA matched Pakistan’s total, finishing on 159 for 3, thanks to a composed 50 off 38 balls from Monank Patel. The match went into a Super Over, where the USA scored 18 for 1. Pakistan could manage only 13 runs in response, handing the USA a remarkable five-run victory.

4. Namibia vs Sri Lanka, 2022

Namibia produced a sensational performance at the 2022 T20 World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 55 runs at Simonds Stadium, Geelong. Namibia posted a competitive 163 for 7, with Jan Frylinck scoring 44 and JJ Smit remaining unbeaten on 31. Sri Lankan bowler Pramod Madushan picked up 2 for 37.

In the chase, Sri Lanka collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for just 108 in 19 overs. Captain Dasun Shanaka top-scored with 29, while Namibia’s bowling attack shared the wickets evenly, with David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, and Jan Frylinck claiming two wickets each.

3. Afghanistan vs West Indies, 2016

Afghanistan recorded one of their earliest landmark victories in the 2016 T20 World Cup at Nagpur, edging past West Indies by six runs. Batting first, Afghanistan managed 123 for 7, with Najibullah Zadran anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 48 off 40 balls.

Samuel Badree was the standout bowler for the West Indies, taking 3 for 14. Despite being favourites, the Caribbeans struggled in the chase and could only reach 117 for 8. Dwayne Bravo scored 28, while Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan took two wickets each to seal Afghanistan’s historic win.

2. Afghanistan vs Australia, 2024

Afghanistan delivered another major upset in the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating Australia at St Vincent. Afghanistan posted 148 for 6, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 60 and Ibrahim Zadran adding 51 at the top. Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling with figures of 3 for 28.

In response, Australia were bowled out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Glenn Maxwell’s valiant 59 was not enough, as Afghanistan’s bowlers dominated, with Gulbadin Naib taking 4 for 20 and Naveen-ul-Haq claiming three breakthroughs.

1. Netherlands vs England, 2009

One of the earliest shocks in T20 World Cup history came in 2009 at Lord’s, when the Netherlands defeated hosts England by four wickets. England scored 162 for 5, led by Luke Wright’s 71 off 49 balls, while Ryan ten Doeschate returned figures of 2 for 35.

The Netherlands chased down the target on the final ball, with Tom de Grooth scoring 49 and valuable contributions from the rest of the batting lineup. James Anderson’s 3 for 23 went in vain as the Dutch scripted a famous victory.