The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has witnessed remarkable upsets and astonishing victories, etching unforgettable moments in the history of the sport. From underdog teams toppling cricketing giants to reigning champions encountering stunning defeats, these occurrences have shaped the tournament’s storied legacy.
With Afghanistan’s recent triumph over England and the Netherlands’ remarkable win against South Africa, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit five of the most surprising results in the 50-over World Cup that have left cricket enthusiasts worldwide spellbound and have showcased the magic of the game’s unpredictability.
Take a look at some of the biggest upsets in Men’s Cricket World Cup history –
India break West Indian supremacy
On June 25, 1983, India achieved a historic victory at Lord’s by defeating West Indies by 43 runs, capturing their inaugural Cricket World Cup title. This triumph was a stunning upset in the final of the 1983 tournament, considering India’s relatively modest ODI record with only 17 wins during their initial nine years as a one-day international team. Despite India’s challenges, the match saw them amass a total of 183 runs, led by Kris Srikkanth with a modest score of 38. The formidable West Indies pace attack, featuring Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Malcolm Marshall, showed no mercy. However, the tides turned when India’s bowlers, Mohinder Armanath (3-12) and Madan Lal (3-31), stifled the flamboyant West Indies batsmen.
Ireland knock out Pakistan
On March 17, 2007, Ireland secured their maiden World Cup victory by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling contest in Kingston, Jamaica. This remarkable achievement unfolded on St. Patrick’s Day, as Ireland’s bowlers dismantled Pakistan, limiting them to a mere 132 runs. Boyd Rankin played a pivotal role by claiming three wickets. However, Ireland experienced a dramatic batting collapse of their own. It was the partnership between Kevin O’Brien and Trent Johnston that eventually guided Ireland to a historic win.
Kenya beat mighty West Indies
In a stunning upset during the 1996 World Cup in Pune, Kenya triumphed over the West Indies by a commanding margin of 73 runs. Kenya, batting first, encountered difficulties and managed to post a total of just 166 runs in this group-stage clash. Courtney Walsh and Roger Harper played pivotal roles for the West Indies, each claiming three wickets.
The West Indies faced a batting collapse, with only Harper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul reaching double figures, the latter’s 19 runs coming off 48 balls. Ultimately, the West Indies were dismissed for a mere 93 runs, with Maurice Odombe playing a captain’s role by taking 3-15 in his 10 overs.
Ireland knocks over England
Ireland’s giant-killing continued in the 2011 World Cup with a thrilling three-wicket win over England in Bengaluru. Kevin O’Brien’s record-breaking century stunned England, including former England batter Jonathan Trott, who’s now Afghanistan’s coach. England posted a challenging 327 for eight, thanks to Trott’s 92 and Ian Bell’s 81. Still, John Mooney’s four-wicket haul curtailed them. Ireland’s reply saw a shaky start with captain William Porterfield out for zero. However, Kevin O’Brien stole the show, smashing a remarkable century in just 50 balls with 13 fours and six sixes. Mooney’s unbeaten 33 ensured a stunning win with just five balls remaining.
Bangladesh stun star-studded India
Bangladesh stunned India with a five-wicket victory at Port of Spain, Trinidad during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. Despite India’s star-studded batting lineup featuring legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Yuvraj Singh, they were bundled out for a mere 191 runs. This was due to a remarkable bowling performance by pacer Mashrafe Mortaza and left-arm spinner Abdul Razzak. It was a young Bangladeshi opener, Tamim Iqbal, who introduced himself to the world stage with a brilliant 51-run performance. The then 18-year-old received support from wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim and another emerging star, Shakib Al Hasan, as they achieved a historic victory over their more renowned neighbors.