In a historic T20 World Cup encounter, the USA achieved a monumental victory over Pakistan in Dallas, a match that is now considered one of the greatest upsets in T20 World Cup history. This victory by the Monank Patel-led team has significantly boosted the ICC’s efforts to promote cricket in the USA, a country where baseball and rugby dominate. The USA managed to tie the match with Pakistan, scoring 159 runs in the regulation 20 overs, and then held their nerves to win in the Super Over at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. This win has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
Jessy Singh of the USA celebrated a crucial dismissal of Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam during this match, marking a significant moment for the team, which was making its debut in the T20 World Cup. Prior to this match, the USA had only played against a full-member ICC nation four times, the first being in 2022 against Zimbabwe, and had lost on three occasions. Heading into the tournament, the USA was ranked 12th in the ICC charts, while Pakistan, the 2009 champions and runners-up in the 2022 edition, were clear favorites.
This victory by the USA against Pakistan is considered the top upset in T20 World Cup history. The USA team, composed largely of players with experience in India, Pakistan, the West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand, demonstrated strategic soundness and composure under pressure. Their unexpected win against such an experienced team highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the sport.
Here are the other four biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history:
- Zimbabwe beat Australia, 2007 T20 World Cup: In the group-stage match, Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbura made an impact by picking two early wickets, reducing Australia to 19 runs for three wickets in just four overs. Despite some resistance from Brad Hodge and Andrew Symonds, Australia only managed to score 138 for nine in 20 overs. Brendan Taylor’s unbeaten 60 off 45 balls led Zimbabwe to a thrilling victory with one ball to spare.
- Netherlands beat England, 2009 T20 World Cup: At the home of cricket, Lord’s, England posted a respectable total of 162 for five, thanks to a century opening stand between Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright. Although James Anderson took an early wicket, the Netherlands, led by a 60-run partnership between Tom de Grooth and Peter Borren, secured a historic win, marking one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history.
- Zimbabwe beat Pakistan, 2022 T20 World Cup: Amidst cricketing turmoil in their country, Zimbabwe managed to defend a modest target of 131 against Pakistan. Despite a solid 44 off 38 balls from Shahn Masood, Sikandar Raza’s three wickets for just 25 runs were crucial in restricting Pakistan to 129 for eight, securing another significant upset in T20 World Cup history.
- Afghanistan beat West Indies, 2016 T20 World Cup: In the early days of Afghanistan’s rise in T20I cricket, they faced a formidable West Indies team featuring stars like Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, and Darren Sammy. Despite being restricted to 123 runs, Afghanistan’s spinners Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi each took two wickets, leading their team to a famous six-wicket victory. Remarkably, West Indies went on to win the tournament, highlighting the significance of Afghanistan’s win.
These upsets highlight the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the potential for any team to triumph on the world stage, regardless of their ranking or experience.
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By- Sahiba Suri