A look at biggest upsets of ICC T20 World Cup
The 2024 Men's ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 1 in the Caribbean and USA. As many as 20 teams will take part in the expanded tournament, comprising four groups. Minnows like Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and Oman among others would hope to stun the regular sides. Have a look at the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.
Australia vs Zimbabwe, Cape Town, 2007
Australia were the firm favorites to win the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Earlier that year, they won their third consecutive 50-over World Cup title. However, in one of the major upsets, Zimbabwe handed Australia a defeat in their first-ever T20 World Cup encounter, in Cape Town. Zimbabwe restricted the Ricky Ponting-led Australia to 138/9 before chasing it down in the final over.
England vs Netherlands, Lord's, 2009
The second T20 World Cup edition in 2009 was expected to be a blockbuster after the high of 2007. England, being the hosts, had an edge, but fate had other plans. Netherlands stunned England in the tournament's first game at Lord's by chasing down 163 in the final-ball thriller. The Dutch completed two runs off the final ball to seal an incredible win.
Namibia vs Sri Lanka, Geelong, 2022
Thirteen years later, Namibia registered a terrific win in the opening game of the 2022 T20 World Cup Down Under against Sri Lanka. The Gerhard Erasmus-led side racked up 163/7 before bowling out the Lankans (108). Only three SL batters scored in double figures as the Namibia bowlers hunted in packs. This gave Namibia their maiden win over Sri Lanka in 20-over cricket.
Afghanistan vs West Indies, Nagpur, 2016
The 2016 T20 World Cup saw the West Indies lifting their second title after beating England in the final. That Caribbean side was bolstered by veterans Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Evin Lewis, Andre Russell, and Daren Sammy among others. Afghanistan, who were an Assocaite side back then, upset the mighty West Indies in Nagpur. They sealed a six-run win despite scoring just 123/7.
