Top 5 upsets in ODI World Cups

Cricket has always been a sport that is highly unexpected and the chances for likely upsets are high when it comes to an event like the World Cup. In a historic upset, Afghanistan made a mark in the history books by defeating England, the reigning champions of the  ODI World Cup. Throughout the years, England has experienced significant World Cup upsets, starting from the 1992 match against Zimbabwe to the 2011 reversal against Ireland. English fans have witnessed a range of surprising outcomes in the World Cup tournament.

So, let us look at the top five stunning upsets that have been seen in the history of the World Cup so far;

#1. India-West Indies 1983

India against West Indies in 1983 (Source: Twitter)

In a surprising turn of events, India upset the two-time defending champions West Indies in the final, despite arriving at the World Cup with only 17 wins in their first nine years as an ODI team. India posted a modest total of 183, with Kris Srikkanth being the highest scorer with 38, as the West Indies pace battery, featuring Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Malcolm Marshall, displayed no mercy.

However, the tide turned when Mohinder Armanath (3-12) and Madan Lal (3-31) stifled the flamboyant West Indies batsmen, with Viv Richards managing the top score of 33. India’s bowlers played a crucial role in restricting the West Indies, leading to a surprising victory in the final.

#2. England-Bangladesh 2015

England vs Bangladesh 2015 (Source: Twitter)

After the 1992 World Cup upset against Zimbabwe, England once again found themselves on the receiving end. This time around it was the Bangladesh side who caused this upset. In an all-important match for both teams, chasing a mediocre total of 276 runs, the Bangladesh team kept on taking wickets at regular intervals. Rubel Hossain was the wrecker-in-chief for Bangladesh who picked up four wickets. With the help of a brilliant bowling performance, the Bangladesh team won the match by 15 runs.

#3. England-Ireland 2011      

England vs Ireland 2011 (Source: Twitter)

England amassed a seemingly formidable total of 327 for eight, led by Jonathan Trott’s 92 and Ian Bell’s 81, although John Mooney’s four-wicket performance limited them from achieving an even higher score. In response, Ireland faced an early setback with the loss of skipper William Porterfield without a run on the board. However, Kevin O’Brien seized the opportunity and played a stellar innings, smashing a World Cup century in just 50 balls, featuring 13 fours and six sixes. Following O’Brien’s dismissal, Mooney’s unbeaten 33 ensured a remarkable victory for Ireland with five balls to spare.

#4. Pakistan-Ireland 2007

Pakistan vs Ireland 2007

Ireland celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in a remarkable fashion by eliminating Pakistan from the 2007 World Cup in Jamaica. The Irish bowling attack dismantled the Asian giants, restricting them to a mere 132 runs, with Boyd Rankin, who would later represent England, claiming three wickets. Ireland, however, experienced a collapse of their own before Kevin O’Brien and Trent Johnston guided them to victory. Unfortunately, the match was followed by a sombre incident as Pakistan’s coach, the former England batsman Bob Woolmer, passed away in his hotel room that night.

#5. England-Afghanistan 2023

England vs Afghanistan 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Afghanistan solidified their presence in the annals of world cricket with a convincing 69-run victory over England, courtesy of a clinical team effort. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil both notched fifties, propelling Afghanistan to a total of 284 runs, their second-highest in World Cup history. In response, the bowlers delivered a masterful performance, limiting England to a mere 215 runs, with Mujeeb ur Rahman and Rashid Khan each securing three wickets.