T20 cricket is one of the most unpredictable formats of the game. Such is the unpredictability of this format that no team can be estimated inferior to their opponents. On occasions, even an individual performance has proved enough to take down even the mightiest of the opposition. Despite such uncertainty, there have been times in the T20 World Cup when a match has ended with unforeseeable results.
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The 7th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is started with round 1 in Oman and UAE. As Scotland upsets Bangladesh in their opening game on the very 1st day of the tournament. Now, let’s see the top five biggest upsets in the T20 World Cup stages to the present date.
Here’s a look at 5 matches that rank among the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history :
Zimbabwe vs Australia | T20 WC 2007
Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the inaugural T20 World Cup edition in 2007 in one of the biggest upsets in cricket history, leave alone the T20I format. Australia was a cricketing giant when Zimbabwe mustered the courage to take down a team that was blessed with some of the greatest players of all time. Batting first, the Australians struggled their way to 138 for 9 in their 20 overs. It was due to Brad Hodge’s quickfire 35 that the Kangaroos could post 138. Although, after a strong bowling display by the Zimbabweans left them shell-shocked.
In reply, Zimbabwe didn’t face great trouble in claiming their first-ever T20 World Cup win against Australia. Wicket-keeper batsman Brendan Taylor played the anchor’s role with a crucial 60 off just 45 deliveries to guide his team to a 5-wicket win over the Aussies. His innings saw jubilation in the Zimbabwean camp. However, they managed to inflict one of the biggest upsets in cricket history.
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Bangladesh vs West Indies | T20 WC 2007
In the same edition of the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh created history. They defeated West Indies in their maiden clash in T20 World Cup history. Led by Mohammad Ashraful, Bangladesh took the attack to the flamboyant West Indian outfit in claiming their first win in the tournament. Batting first, West Indies posted a tricky total of 164 runs leaving a rookie Bangladeshi XI with a tough task in hand.
However, led by their skipper in the chase, the ‘Men in Green’ didn’t panic a bit despite early damage at the top of the order. Meanwhile, a huge partnership between Ashraful and Aftab Ahmed proved enough for Bangladesh. They topple West Indies in the World T20 fixture. It was the first sign of Bangladesh showing its potential even in the shortest format of the game.
Netherlands vs England | T20 WC 2009
In the opening clash in the T20 World Cup 2009, hosts England faced the Netherlands at Lord’s in what was expected to be a one-sided affair. However, what followed brought mere disappointment for the English fans. In a home World Cup, England began their campaign on a rather poor note after the Netherlands went past their neighbors with ease.
Meanwhile, chasing 163 to win, the ‘Men in Orange’ didn’t break a sweat and chased down the total on the last ball of the match. Growth top-scored for the Netherlands while ten Doeschate and Borren made useful contributions in helping their team in an inspiring run-chase at the Home of Cricket.
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Hong Kong vs Bangladesh | T20 WC 2014
In the T20 World Cup in 2014, Bangladesh got a taste of their own medicine when Hong Kong inflicted a huge upset upon the hosts. On a slow wicket in Chattogram, the hosts were found wanting against spin bowling. Batting first, Bangladesh was bundled out for 108 while their opposition didn’t allow them to cut loose. Chasing a paltry score of 109 for victory,
Hong Kong’s inexperience came to the fore after they stumbled their way through the middle-order. However, runs from Munir Dar and Irfan Ahmed propelled them to a 2-wicket win over Bangladesh. It was a historic occasion for the Associate nation and ended up being one of the biggest upsets in the history of the T20 World Cup.
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Scotland vs Bangladesh | T20 WC 2021
In the latest edition of the T20 World Cup 2021, Scotland defeated Bangladesh for the first time in the World Cup stages. Bangladesh won the toss as they wish to bowl first against the underdogs in a slow pitch of Oman Cricket ground. Scotland players batted well as they finishes on 140 in 20 overs losing 9 wickets.
However, coming to chase an average target of 141, everyone thought that Bangladesh would finish the match with ease. But, that does not happened as Scotland bowlers bvowls brilliantly to put their opponent batsman under pressure. Only Bangladesh’s experienced batsman Rahim played well but couldn’t finish it for his team. Brad Wheal took 3 wickets with Greaves took 2 as they restricted Bangladesh on 134 in 20 overs. Scotland surprises Bangladesh in their opening game after they managed to steal the game from them by 6 runs.
N.B: The stats are accurate as of 18/10/2021.
