Biggest Upsets in Cricket World Cup History

Biggest Upsets in Cricket World Cup: The ODI World Cup stands as the grandest platform for all cricket teams and players representing their nations. The inaugural ODI World Cup took place in 1975, marking the beginning of 12 tournaments held until now. Among these, Australia has triumphed the most, winning 5 World Cup victories.

Throughout the World Cup history, certain matches have concluded with surprising outcomes, including instances where less-favored teams emerged victorious against top-tier opponents. In this article we will talk about Biggest Upsets in ODI World Cup History.

Also read, Highest Run Chase in ODI World Cup by India

Biggest Upsets in Cricket World Cup

Here are the details on Top 10 Biggest Upsets In ODI World History.

#1. India vs West Indies in 1983 Cricket World Cup

One of the biggest upsets in ODI World Cup history happened in 1983 when India won their first title. After winning in 1975 and 1979, West Indies were favorites and reached the final again.

India, seen as underdogs, made it to the final with strong individual performances. Despite scoring only 183 runs, their chances looked slim against the powerful West Indies team.

However, India’s excellent bowling dismissed the West Indies for 140 runs, leading to India’s historic World Cup victory.

#2. Zimbabwe vs South Africa in 1999 Cricket World Cup

Zimbabwe pulled off a major upset in the 1999 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the 26th match of the tournament at Chelmsford. Zimbabwe batted first and scored 233/6 in their 50 overs.

Despite expectations of a South African win, they were bowled out for 185 runs. Zimbabwe won the match by 48 runs.

#4. Bangladesh vs South Africa in World Cup 2019

In 2019, South Africa, a top cricket team, lost to Bangladesh. Bangladesh batted first, scoring 330/6. They then restricted South Africa to 309/8, winning by 21 runs.

#5. Ireland vs Pakistan in World Cup 2007

In a surprising turn of events during the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, Ireland caused a major upset by defeating Pakistan. This unexpected victory occurred during the group stage in Kingston.

Pakistan batted first and was dismissed for a mere 132 runs, despite the presence of strong players like Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, and Kamran Akmal. Ireland managed to chase down the target, scoring 133/7 in 41.4 overs and securing the win.

#6. Bangladesh vs Pakistan in 1999 Cricket World Cup

Bangladesh entered the ODI World Cup for the first time in the 1999 edition and made a remarkable impression by defeating the 1992 World Cup champions, Pakistan.

In the 29th match of the tournament, Bangladesh set a score of 223/9 and managed to dismiss Pakistan for 161 runs, securing a 62-run victory. Notably, Pakistan’s team included prominent players such as Saeed Anwar, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saleem Malik, and Moin Khan.

#7. Kenya vs Sri Lanka in World Cup 2003

Before the 2003 World Cup, Sri Lanka was seen as a strong team boasting notable players. However, Kenya achieved a remarkable victory over them during the group stage, shattering their aspirations. In the initial innings, Kenya posted a total of 210/9.

They managed to dismiss Sri Lanka for a mere 157 runs, winning the match by 53 runs. This unexpected defeat prevented Sri Lanka from progressing beyond the group stage in that particular tournament.

#8. Bangladesh vs India in World Cup 2007

India experienced a significant upset in the Cricket World Cup as well. Their journey in the 2007 World Cup was cut short as they faced an unforeseen loss to Bangladesh during a group match.

Despite having notable players, India was bowled out by Bangladesh for a mere 191 runs. Bangladesh, in turn, chased down a total of 192/5 in 48.3 overs, securing an unexpected victory.

#9. Ireland vs England in World Cup 2011

Ireland and England had a fierce rivalry that began during the 2011 World Cup in India. Ireland caused a major upset by defeating the English team, preventing England from reaching the semi-finals. England posted a substantial score of 327/8 in their initial inning.

While chasing the target, Kevin O’Brien played a remarkable inning, achieving the fastest World Cup hundred in just 50 balls. His performance propelled Ireland to a total of 329/7, leading them to victory in the game.

#10. Zimbabwe vs Australia in 1983 Cricket World Cup

In the 1983 World Cup, Zimbabwe, an associate nation, surprised everyone by defeating Australia. Zimbabwe batted first and scored 239/6. They limited Australia to 226/7, securing a 13-run victory. This unexpected win prevented Australia from advancing to the semi-finals.

#11. Kenya vs West Indies in 1996 Cricket World Cup

Kenya achieved a historic moment during the 1996 World Cup by defeating the formidable West Indies in the 20th match of the tournament. Kenya batted first but only managed to score 166 runs.

However, they showcased impressive bowling skills, dismissing the West Indies for just 93 runs. This remarkable 73-run victory caused an upset against the two-time champions.

#12. Afghanistan vs. England (2023)

In a stunning match in New Delhi, Afghanistan defeated the reigning world champions, England, by 69 runs. This victory was one of the most significant upsets in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

#13. Netherlands vs. South Africa (2023)

Just two days after Afghanistan’s victory, the Netherlands shocked South Africa by winning by 38 runs. This match added another chapter to the list of surprising outcomes in World Cup history.