Cricket is a sport with amazing ambiguities, and surprises frequently occur. The unpredictable nature of the game and the ODI World Cup 2023 is what excites the fan and there is nothing better than seeing an underdog squad shock a highly favourited opponent.
Numerous underdog teams have defied the odds and created history by defeating the titans of their respective sports over the years. From the toughest of situations, the underdogs have pulled off incredible wins.
Top 5 upsets in the ODI World Cup
5) England vs Ireland (2011)
England vs Ireland (Source: Twitter)
The 2011 World Cup was Ireland’s second World Cup appearance. As they attempted to reach the enormous target of 328, Ireland lost their captain William Porterfield when the opening ball of their innings resulted in his dismissal. Following the early defeat, Paul Stirling along with Ed Joyce both scored 32 runs in an effort to settle the Irish batting.
Along with centurion Kevin O’Brian, Cusack stood at the crease as he produced a great innings of 47 from 58. Kevin, however, could not finish the job as he returned to the dugout after reaching 113 runs off 63 balls. But his teammate John Mooney performed an unbeaten 33-run innings off 30 balls to enable Ireland to win by an unprecedented three wickets.
4) England vs Bangladesh (2015)
England vs Bangladesh (Source: Twitter)
Mahmudullah’s brilliant knock took Bangladesh to a magnificent total of 275 runs. England’s top and middle order failed miserably during the chase. Jos Buttler as well as Chris Woakes showed bravery by scoring 65 and an unbeaten 42 runs in quick succession, respectively. However, after Buttler was taken out, things went south for England as they got bundled out for 260.
The bowlers successfully defended the score as they continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Rubel Hossain contributed significantly with the ball in this incredible 15-run victory, taking four wickets in his 9.3 overs of bowling.
3) West Indies vs India (1983)
West Indies vs India (Source: Twitter)
India was given the opportunity to bat first but was eventually dismissed for an average total of 183 runs. As they were defending the total, they made an early breakthrough. However, as Vivian Richards launched an assault, everything began to favour the West Indies. Kapil Dev successfully caught Viv off guard with the aid of Madan Lal’s outstanding delivery.
Following a hobbling Clive Lyod along with Faoud Bacchus, Larry Gomes collapsed. Despite their valiant efforts, Mohinder Amarnath, the vice-captain, had Jeff Dujon as well as Malcolm Marshall’s number that day. One of the greatest surprises occurred when an underdog eventually won the World Cup.
2) India vs Bangladesh (2007)
India vs Bangladesh (Source: Twitter)
India completed their first innings on 191 runs despite winning the toss and electing to bat. Bangladesh’s fast bowling squad was led by Mashrafe Mortaza, who took four wickets. Tamim Iqbal as well as Mushfiqur Rahim, two young cricketers chasing the target, maintained their composure and both produced half-centuries.
Shakib-Al-Hasan, a player in the lower order, also had a significant impact because of his fifty-plus score, which enabled the team to move closer to the score. Rahim made the game-winning shot to give his team the victory. With an unbroken 56-run total, the wicketkeeper finished up leading his side in runs scored.
1) Pakistan vs Ireland (2007)
Pakistan vs Ireland (Source: Twitter)
Ireland bowlers’ early damage was enough to fold the Asian side for a paltry score of 132. Niall O’Brien played a solid knock of 72 from 107 deliveries while chasing the total. This knock came when the Irish openers, Jeremy Bray, and Eoin Morgan lost their wicket early.
Along with his skipper Johnston, Niall’s younger brother Kevin struck an undefeated 16 and led the team to victory. As a consequence of his excellent performance in his team’s three-wicket triumph, Niall was named Player of the Match.
Also Check : Most Runs In World Cup History From 1975 To 2023
