Top 5 Most Shocking Upsets in ICC T20 World Cup History
Cricket, especially the T20 format, is a funny game — a cocktail of chaos, courage, and occasional comedy. Over the years, the men’s ICC T20 World Cup has gifted fans not just iconic wins but also heart-racing upsets that turned world rankings upside down and made seasoned commentators drop their mics in disbelief.
Here are the Top 5 Most Shocking Upsets in T20 World Cup History, ranked in order of impact, surprise value, and sheer drama.
1. Zimbabwe Stuns Australia – Cape Town, 2007
Date: September 12, 2007
Result: Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
David vs Goliath? More like Hamilton Masakadza vs Ricky Ponting. Australia, the reigning ODI champions at the time, were ambushed by a spirited Zimbabwe. Brendan Taylor held his nerve and guided the chase of 139 with just a ball to spare. The victory wasn’t just a win, it was an exorcism of fear.
Humorous Twist: Australian fans were so stunned, they asked if it was still the warm-up phase. It wasn’t.
Top Performer: In the Zimbabwe vs Australia match, two Zimbabwean players created a nightmare for the Australian team and their fans alike
Brendan Taylor (ZIM): 60* (45), 4 fours, 2 sixes
Elton Chigumbura (ZIM): 3/20 in 4 overs
2. Netherlands Defeat England – Lord’s, 2009
Date: June 5, 2009 Netherlands vs England
Result: Netherlands won by 4 wickets
Ah, the hallowed turf of Lord’s witnessed one of the biggest embarrassments in English cricket. On the opening night of the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, England, playing at home, were stunned by an unheralded Dutch side. The match ended with a nervy last-ball run that even Monty Panesar couldn’t salvage. For a team filled with county stalwarts, this was a Shakespearean tragedy. The Netherlands chased 163, and in doing so, etched their name forever in T20 folklore.
Fun Fact: England bowled two no-balls in the final over, practically handing victory on a platter.
Star Performer: Tom de Grooth – 49 off 30 balls
3. Afghanistan Outguns West Indies – Nagpur, 2016
Date: March 27, 2016
Result: Afghanistan won by 6 runs
While West Indies eventually lifted the trophy in 2016, they did so with a blip in their report card — a defeat to Afghanistan. The underdogs defended 123 runs against the likes of Gayle, Bravo, and Russell. It was a clinic in bowling discipline. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan turned spin into sorcery.
Poetic Punch: The Caribbean flair was frozen by Afghan fire.
Star Performers: Mohammad Nabi – 2/26, Rashid Khan – 2/26
4. Scotland Outwits Bangladesh – Al Amerat, 2021
Date: October 17, 2021
Result: Scotland won by 6 runs
Bangladesh came in with expectations; Scotland came in with intent. Chris Greaves played the innings of a lifetime, scoring a vital 45 and picking up 2 key wickets. The Tigers, on paper, had no reason to lose. But cricket isn’t played on paper, it’s played in moments. And Scotland owned them all that evening.
Banter Bonus: Scottish fans celebrated with bagpipes, while Bangladesh fans were left piping mad.
Star Performer: Chris Greaves – 45 off 28 balls & 2/19
5. Namibia’s Charge Past Sri Lanka – Geelong, 2022
Date: October 16, 2022
Result: Namibia won by 55 runs
Yes, fifty-five runs. Namibia, a team that once made up numbers, bulldozed former T20 champions Sri Lanka in the opening game of the 2022 edition. Jan Frylinck and JJ Smit ensured that Namibia didn’t just win, they announced themselves with a thumping performance. This wasn’t just an upset, it was a declaration.
Highlight Stat: Namibia posted 163/7, then skittled Lanka for 108.
Star Performers: Jan Frylinck – 44 off 28 balls & 2/26, JJ Smit – 31* off 16 balls
FAQs: T20 World Cup Upsets
Q1: Which team has caused the most upsets in T20 World Cup history?
A: The Netherlands and Afghanistan have repeatedly shocked bigger teams, making them the fan-favorite underdogs.
Q2: Has Australia ever lost to a non-Test-playing nation in a T20 World Cup?
A: Yes, they lost to Zimbabwe in 2007.
Q3: Which was the biggest margin upset in terms of runs?
A: Namibia’s 55-run win over Sri Lanka in 2022 stands out.
Q4: Do upsets affect team rankings?
A: Yes, particularly in the group stages, where they can lead to early exits of top teams.
Q5: Which country has won how many T20 World Cup titles?
A: India, England, and West Indies have each won two T20 World Cup titles, while the remaining champion teams have secured only one title each out of the nine tournaments held so far. Here is the list of T20 World Cup winners :
- West Indies – 2 titles (2012, 2016)
- England – 2 titles (2010, 2022)
- India – 2 titles (2007, 2024)
- Pakistan – 1 title (2009)
- Sri Lanka – 1 title (2014)
- Australia – 1 title (2021)