World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket and every team wants to give their best in the tournament. While the big teams are the favourites, even the minnows want to make their mark on the World Cup. The ‘minnows’ don’t get many chances to rub shoulders with the best in the business. In the World Cup, they can announce themselves in front of the world.
This motivation can bring the best version of such and it can result in some stunning upsets. In this article, we will look at some of the biggest upsets in the history of cricket’s biggest carnival.
5. Bangladesh vs India, 2007 World Cup
India had reached the final of 2003 World Cup and was among the favourites coming into the 2007 World Cup. The men in blue had a great team but their campaign was derailed by young and spirited Bangladesh. The Bangla tigers bowled well in the first innings to restrict India to a low score and batted sensibly to register a famous win.
While Bangladesh celebrated qualifying for the next round of World Cup for the first team, India’s exit sent shockwaves throughout the country.
4. Kenya vs West Indies, 1996 World Cup
Two time World champions West Indies were heavy favourites but Kenya was up to the task. The men from the Caribbean restricted Kenya to just 166, but they must have cursed themselves for giving away 37 extras.
These extras came back to bite the West Indians as they struggled against the Kenyan bowling. Only Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Roger Harper managed to post double-digit scores as West Indies was all out for just 93.
3. Ireland vs England, 2011 World Cup
When England posted the score 327 in the first innings, everyone thought the game was over but that was not the case. England further pressed the advantage by reducing Ireland to 111/5 but Kevin O’Brien was a man on a mission.
The Irish allrounder launched an incredible counter-attack on the English bowlers, who seemed to have no answer. He brought up the fastest century in the World Cup and useful contributions from Alex Cusack and Mooney were enough to take Ireland. While Ireland celebrated their win, English bowlers were left wondering what hit them.
2. Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1999 World Cup
Pakistan was unbeaten coming into this match, while Bangladesh lost every match except the match against Scotland. Pakistan was the heavy favourites on paper but they play cricket on the grass. Bangladesh batted well to put up a competitive score of 223 on the board.
No one could believe their eyes when the scoreboard read 42/5 for Pakistan. Azhar Mahmood and Wasim Akram tried to put up a fight but Bangladesh kept on picking wickets at regular intervals. Bangladesh shocked everyone by beating the might Pakistan who went on to reach the final.
