The Afghanistan team brought out a massive upset in the ODI World Cup 2023 after defeating England by a massive 69 runs. The World Cup holders England were outclassed by a motivated Afghanistan team who had promised to win the match for their earthquake-affected people back home.
Their shock win prompted up to look for other instances when smaller teams got a victory over their stronger counterparts in the ODI World Cup. Here are the biggest upsets in ODI World Cup history.
1996 World Cup: Kenya vs. West Indies
Kenya’s stunning upset over the West Indies in the 1996 World Cup captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The underdog Kenyan team, led by Maurice Odumbe, demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing a surprising victory by 73 runs. Notably, Kenya’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Rajab Ali and Maurice Odumbe, restricted the formidable West Indies side to a mere 166 runs, leading to a historic triumph.
1999 World Cup: Zimbabwe vs. South Africa
The 1999 World Cup encounter between Zimbabwe and South Africa witnessed a remarkable turnaround as the Zimbabwean team, led by Alistair Campbell, achieved a memorable victory by 48 runs. Displaying exceptional batting prowess, Neil Johnson’s spectacular century propelled Zimbabwe to an impressive total of 233/6, while the spirited bowling efforts, notably by Henry Olonga and Heath Streak, restricted South Africa to 185 runs.
1999 World Cup: Bangladesh vs Pakistan
The 1999 World Cup clash between Bangladesh and Pakistan stunned the cricketing world, as the spirited Bangladeshi side, under the leadership of Aminul Islam Bulbul, secured an unforgettable victory by 62 runs. Bangladesh’s collective batting efforts, highlighted by exceptional contributions from Shakil Khan and Khaled Mahmud, propelled the team to a competitive total of 223/9. Bangladesh’s tenacious bowling display, notably by Khaled Mahmud and Khaled Mashud, limited Pakistan’s response to 161 runs, marking a historic triumph.
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2003 World Cup: Kenya vs Sri Lanka
Kenya’s memorable victory over Sri Lanka in the 2003 World Cup showcased the team’s determination and skill on the world stage. Led by veteran Steve Tikolo, Kenya’s remarkable batting performance, including notable contributions from Kennedy Otieno and Maurice Odumbe, propelled the team to a competitive total of 210/9. Kenya’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Collins Obuya and Martin Suji, restricted Sri Lanka to 157 runs, securing a memorable upset victory.
2007 World Cup: Bangladesh vs India
Bangladesh’s stunning upset victory over India in the 2007 World Cup highlighted the team’s emerging potential on the global cricketing stage. Led by Habibul Bashar, Bangladesh’s spirited batting display, featuring standout performances from Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, led to a commanding total of 192 runs. Bangladesh’s focused bowling efforts, notably by Mashrafe Mortaza and Abdur Razzak, limited India’s response to 191 runs, resulting in a remarkable triumph.
2007 World Cup: Ireland vs Pakistan
The 2007 World Cup encounter between Ireland and Pakistan witnessed a gripping battle, culminating in a historic upset victory for the resilient Irish side. Led by Trent Johnston, Ireland’s determined batting performance, marked by Kevin O’Brien’s heroic half-century, propelled the team to a competitive total of 133 runs. Ireland’s spirited bowling efforts, notably by Boyd Rankin and Dave Langford-Smith, restricted Pakistan to 132 runs, leading to an unforgettable upset.
2007 World Cup: Bangladesh vs South Africa
Bangladesh’s remarkable upset over South Africa in the 2007 World Cup showcased the team’s growing confidence and ability to compete against formidable opponents. Under the leadership of Habibul Bashar, Bangladesh’s spirited batting display, highlighted by Tamim Iqbal’s resilient half-century, contributed to a competitive total of 251/8. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Mashrafe Mortaza and Mohammad Rafique, restricted South Africa to 184 runs, resulting in a memorable upset victory.
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2011 World Cup: Ireland vs England
Ireland’s stirring upset victory over England in the 2011 World Cup left a lasting impression on the cricketing world. Led by William Porterfield, Ireland’s determined batting performance, notably bolstered by Kevin O’Brien’s sensational century, guided the team to a remarkable total of 329/7. Ireland’s tenacious bowling efforts, led by John Mooney and George Dockrell, limited England’s response to 327 runs, sealing a breathtaking upset victory.
2011 World Cup: Bangladesh vs England
Bangladesh’s remarkable upset over England in the 2011 World Cup showcased the team’s growing prowess and ability to compete against established cricketing nations. Under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s spirited batting display, including contributions from Imrul Kayes and Mahmudullah, propelled the team to a competitive total of 227/8. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Rubel Hossain and Abdur Razzak, restricted England to 225 runs, securing a historic triumph.
2015 World Cup: Ireland vs West Indies
In the 2015 World Cup clash, Ireland’s memorable victory over the West Indies highlighted the team’s resilience and determination. Led by William Porterfield, Ireland’s impressive batting display, featuring a stellar century by Paul Stirling, guided the team to a competitive total of 331/8. Ireland’s disciplined bowling efforts, led by John Mooney and George Dockrell, restricted the West Indies to 304 runs, resulting in a captivating upset victory.
2015 World Cup: Bangladesh vs England
Bangladesh’s impressive triumph over England in the 2015 World Cup showcased the team’s growing confidence and ability to compete on the world stage. Under the leadership of Mashrafe Mortaza, Bangladesh’s collective batting efforts, highlighted by Mahmudullah’s resilient century, propelled the team to a competitive total of 275/7. Bangladesh’s focused bowling attack, led by Rubel Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, restricted England to 260 runs, securing a remarkable upset victory.
These World Cup upsets serve as enduring testaments to the thrill and unpredictability of the sport, demonstrating that in the world of cricket, no team is immune to the spirited determination of their opponents.
2023: Afghanistan vs Engand
Afghanistan coach and former England player Jonathan Trott had wished Shahidi and co to win their upcoming match as a small motivator for earthquake-hit countrymen back home. The next day, the Afghanistan cricket team defeated England by 69 runs.
Afghanistan made 284 on the back of Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 80 and Ikram Alikhil’s 58. It was however the bowlers who brought their A game and dismissed England’s batting line up at just 215.
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