What have been the biggest upsets in cricket history? In this article, we will take a deep dive and explain everything to you. Cricket is the most well-known sport in the world, with the world’s elite cricket nations competing against one another to establish their dominance. Now and then, in cricket competitions, the underdog proves to be the superior team despite all odds. Many associate nations have been given opportunities to showcase their talent in cricket.
When competing against the big dogs like India, England, and Australia, teams like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Kenya always have the odds stacked against them. Australia is the most successful team in this competition, having won five World Cups. While both India and the West Indies have won the World Cup twice, And Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England have all won the World Cup. Aside from these six teams, South Africa and New Zealand have always been contenders for the trophy. However, these two teams have never been able to win the World Cup title.
What Are The Biggest Upsets In Cricket History
Zimbabwe vs Australia 1983 – World Cup
On June 9th, 1983, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 13 runs in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup cricket history. The clash between the cricket world’s most powerful and weakest nations. Surprisingly, this was the first-ever World Cup match for Zimbabwe. This game will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets in cricket history, as an inexperienced Zimbabwe team led by Duncan Fletcher won a 69-run victory over a renowned opposition in their first-ever game. Zimbabwe had scored 239 runs, including Duncan Fletcher’s unbeaten 69. In response, Australia could only manage 226 for the loss of 7 wickets. Duncan Fletcher was the hero once more, taking 4/42 in 11 overs.
India vs West Indies 1983 World Cup Final
On June 25, 1983, India made history by defeating the West Indies in the World Cup 1983 final at Lord’s to win the trophy for the first time. It was expected to be a one-sided final, with the West Indies winning their third World Cup in a row. They had won the previous two editions in 1975 and 1979. India was not expected to change that in 1983. However, earlier in the tournament, India defeated the West Indies in a group game. However, the first innings ended with India being all-out for 183 in 54.4 overs, as expected.
West Indies lost Gordon Greenidge early on, but they appeared to be in a hurry to finish the game. Everyone expected Viv Richards to win the game. Viv Richards also smashed the Indian bowlers for 33 runs off 27 balls. Richards’ stay was ended by one of the most incredible catches ever taken, Kapil Dev running behind towards the mid-wicket boundary and taking the catch over his shoulder. West Indies were 50-1, quick wickets reduced West Indies to 76/6, and just when it appeared that India would win, Jeff Dujon and Malcolm Marshall scored together a 43-run partnership.
At that critical moment, Kapil Dev went to bring in Amarnath, and the all-rounder dispatched both Dujon and Marshall to the pavilion. As India won the World Cup, he took Michael Holding’s final wicket. For his outstanding performance, Amarnath got the man-of-the-match award. The victory of Team India in the World Cup was the biggest upset for the West Indies team. This is a memorable moment for the Indian cricket team as well.
West Indies vs Kenya 1996 World Cup The 2nd Biggest Upsets In Cricket History
On February 29th, 1996, the underdog Kenya Tales stunned the two-time world champions West Indies by defeating them by 73 runs in the league games of the 1996 World Cup. Kenya, who is playing in their first World Cup, has limited them to 161 runs on the board in their first innings. Bowlers appeared to have played their part. It’s now up to the star-studded batting line-up to chase down this smooth total. The openers for the West Indies went on to chase the total. However, things took a turn for the worse when they were 35/4. After that, it was a complete disaster as they were bowled out for 93 in 35.2 overs. Fans are ecstatic when an underdog team defeats a world heavyweight and advances to the finals.
Kenya vs Sri Lanka 2003 World Cup
Kenya’s victory over the islanders, Sri Lanka, ranks among the biggest upsets in cricket history. Kenya used home advantage to defeat Sri Lanka in the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Due to security concerns, New Zealand chose not to travel to Nairobi for their Pool B match, forfeiting the points. The Sri Lanka team traveled to the Gymkhana Club Ground, but they were defeated by Kenya.
Kenya scored 210 runs in 50 overs in the first innings. Aside from Otieno’s 60-run contribution inning, no other batsman could put up a great performance, save for a few small but useful contributions. In response, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 157 in 45 overs.
Bangladesh vs Australia 2005 NatWest Tri-series
During the Natwest ODI Series on June 18, 2005, Bangladesh pulled off a major upset by defeating the Australian team. Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. Australia’s innings began disastrously, as they lost both Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting with only 9 runs on the board. Hard-hitter Matthew Hayden also left after scoring 37 runs off 50 balls, leaving Australia at 57/3.
Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke began their rescue mission at that point. These 2 batsmen shared a 108-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Michael Clarke scored 54 runs at a strike rate of 64.28, while Damien Martyn scored 77 runs off 112 deliveries. Michael Hussey and Simon Katich then made eye-catching cameo appearances to give Australia much-needed momentum in the final stages of their innings. Hussey hit a quickfire 31* runs with a strike rate of 147.61, while Simon Katich hit 36 runs off 23 balls. The Australian team was successfully posted 249-5 on the board.
Bangladesh Innings
Bangladesh team began their innings quite slowly, and their scorecard was 46/1 after 15 overs. However, they then lost two quick wickets and were reduced to 72/3. And that’s when batting sensation Mohammad Ashraful stepped up and delivered probably the best ODI knock of his career. Mohammad Ashraful scored a stunning 100 runs off 101 balls for his side and was part of a match-winning 130-run fourth-wicket partnership with skipper Habibul Bashar, who also scored 47 runs.
Aftab Ahmed then put the finishing touches on Bangladesh’s victory over Australia, scoring a blistering 21* off just 13 deliveries with the willow as Bangladesh won by 5 wickets and 4 balls. Mohammad Ashraful was named Player of the Match for his sensational century that helped Bangladesh defeat the fearsome Australian side.
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Source – Espncricinfo.com
