Greatest Upsets In Cricket World Cup History.

The Cricket World Cup has always been a stage for high drama, extraordinary feats, and surprising twists. While the dominant teams often live up to their reputations, the tournament has also witnessed some remarkable upsets that have left fans in awe and established new heroes. Here are some of the greatest upsets in Cricket World Cup history that have stunned the world.  

1. India vs. West Indies (1983)

One of the most iconic upsets in World Cup history came in 1983 when India defeated the mighty West Indies in the final. The West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd, were the favorites, having won the previous two World Cups. 

However, India’s spirited performance saw them defend a modest total of 183 runs at Lord’s. Mohinder Amarnath’s all-round brilliance and the effective bowling from the Indian team led them to a historic 43-run victory, changing the landscape of Indian cricket forever.

2. Kenya vs. West Indies (1996)

In the 1996 World Cup, Kenya, a relatively unknown team in international cricket, pulled off a sensational victory against the West Indies. Batting first, Kenya managed only 166 runs, a total that seemed easily chaseable. However, their bowlers produced a disciplined and inspired performance, bundling out the West Indies for just 93 runs. This 73-run victory was a monumental achievement for Kenya and remains one of the most surprising results in World Cup history.

3. Bangladesh vs. Pakistan (1999)

Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup was another major shocker. Pakistan, one of the strongest teams in the tournament, was expected to cruise to victory. However, Bangladesh, playing only their second World Cup, batted first and posted 223 runs. 

Their bowlers then delivered a stunning performance, restricting Pakistan to 161 runs and securing a 62-run victory. This win was crucial for Bangladesh as it paved the way for their entry into Test cricket.

4. Ireland vs. Pakistan (2007)

The 2007 World Cup saw Ireland announce their arrival on the world stage with a stunning victory over Pakistan. Chasing a target of 133 runs in a rain-affected match, Ireland managed to achieve the target with three wickets in hand. This defeat not only knocked Pakistan out of the tournament but also led to significant changes in their cricketing setup. Ireland’s win was celebrated as one of the greatest moments in associate cricket history.

5. Ireland vs. England (2011)

Ireland produced another memorable upset in the 2011 World Cup when they defeated England in a thrilling encounter. 

Chasing a daunting target of 328 runs, Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien played one of the greatest innings in World Cup history, scoring the fastest century in the tournament’s history off just 50 balls. His heroics helped Ireland achieve the target with five balls to spare, securing a remarkable three-wicket victory.

6. Afghanistan vs. West Indies (2016 T20 World Cup)

While not a traditional 50-over World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup saw Afghanistan defeat the eventual champions, West Indies, in a group-stage match. Afghanistan posted a modest total of 123 runs, but their bowlers, led by Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, restricted the powerful West Indian batting lineup to just 117 runs. 

This six-run victory was a significant milestone for Afghanistan cricket, showcasing their rapid rise in the international arena.

The Cricket World Cup has provided a platform for many underdog stories that have captivated fans around the globe. These upsets serve as a reminder that in cricket, the game is never over until the last ball is bowled. They highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport and the fact that on any given day, a lesser-fancied team can rise to the occasion and topple the giants. These historic matches not only add to the rich tapestry of World Cup lore but also inspire generations of cricketers to dream big.