NEW DELHI: When one thinks of T20 cricket, the mind usually goes straight to the superstars, big names delivering on the biggest stage and edge-of-the-seat finishes. But that is not the full picture. Since the inception of the format, T20 cricket has also seen remarkable turnarounds, with associate nations pulling off sensational wins against top teams. These wins highlight the sheer unpredictability of the format. With ICC T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, we look at 5 such major upsets.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup: Top 5 Highest Partnerships Over the Years
Here are top 5 upsets in T20 World Cup history:
5. Namibia beat Sri Lanka by 55 runs, T20 World Cup 2022
At number five comes Namibia’s stunning win over Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. In a Group A clash, Namibia produced a dominant all-round display to crush Sri Lanka by 55 runs. Chasing 164, Sri Lanka folded under pressure as their top order collapsed early, and brief resistance from the middle order changed little.
Jan Frylinck starred with a vital 44 and then picked up two crucial wickets, earning the Player of the Match award in one of Sri Lanka’s biggest World Cup shocks.
4. Netherlands beat England in a last-ball thriller, T20 World Cup 2009
At number four is one of the most dramatic finishes in T20 World Cup history. In 2009, the Netherlands stunned England in a Group B opener at the iconic Lord’s. England posted 162 for 5, driven by Luke Wright’s fluent 71, a total that looked competitive.
But the Netherlands held their nerve and chased it down on the final ball, needing two runs. Tom de Grooth’s quickfire 49 down the order proved decisive, sealing a memorable upset that set the tone for the tournament.
3. Afghanistan shock West Indies in T20 World Cup 2016
Now comes the night Afghanistan announced their arrival on the big stage. In the ICC T20 World Cup 2016, they stunned West Indies, the eventual champions, in what turned out to be the Caribbean side’s only loss of the tournament.
Batting first, Afghanistan managed 123, built largely around Najibullah Zadran’s gritty 48. It looked like a cakewalk chase, but West Indies collapsed to 117. Amir Hamza led a brilliant bowling effort, conceding just 9 runs in 4 overs to script a famous 6-run win.
2. Netherlands knock South Africa out in T20 World Cup 2022
At number two is one of the most painful upsets South Africa have endured in World Cup history. In the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, the Netherlands stunned the Proteas with a 13-run win, a result that ultimately sealed South Africa’s exit from the tournament. Batting first, the Netherlands posted a competitive 158 with solid contributions from their top four.
The chase looked comfortable on paper, but South Africa never settled. Despite regular starts, none of their experienced batters could convert, with Rilee Rossouw top-scoring with just 25. The shock defeat not only knocked South Africa out but also opened the door for Pakistan to sneak into the next stage.
1. USA vs Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup 2024
At the top of the list is USA’s win over Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, a result that turned into a brutal humiliation for the previous champions. Pakistan started poorly once again, with Babar Azam batting at a slow strike rate. Some quick runs from Shadab Khan and late contributions from Shaheen Afridi pushed them to 159 for 9.
USA began well with Monank Patel’s brilliant half-century. Pakistan pulled things back in the middle overs, but USA tied the match, needing 15 in the final over as Haris Rauf leaked runs. The Super Over was a complete blunder, Pakistan conceded 18 with poor tactics, then managed only 13. USA sealed a memorable 5-run win.
