In a stunning upset during the T20 World Cup match in Dallas, USA pulled off a remarkable victory over Pakistan. After the toss, USA opted to field first, and despite a solid performance from Babar Azam (44) and Shadab Khan (40), Pakistan posted 159/7. In response, USA, led by skipper Monank Patel’s half-century, along with contributions from Andries Gous (35) and Aaron Jones (36*), matched Pakistan’s total.
The game went into a Super Over, where USA batted first, managing to score 18 runs. In a tense finish, Saurabh Netravalkar, supported by his team’s disciplined bowling, held off Pakistan, restricting them to just 17 runs. The victory marked one of the most memorable moments in USA cricket history, echoing similar surprises witnessed in past T20 World Cups.
Biggest Upsets in T20 World Cup History
1. 2009: Netherlands stun England
During the 2009 T20 World Cup held in England, Netherlands caused a major upset by defeating the hosts, England. Despite England’s status as one of the favorites, Netherlands emerged victorious in a group stage match at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground. Netherlands chased down England’s total of 162/5, with Tom de Grooth (49), Peter Borren (30), and Ryan ten Doeschate (22*) leading the charge.
2. 2022: Namibia’s triumph over Sri Lanka
In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Namibia produced a remarkable performance by defeating Sri Lanka. In a group stage encounter, Namibia posted 163/7 batting first, with Jan Frylinck’s 44 being the highlight. Sri Lanka’s batting faltered against Namibia’s bowling attack, as they were bowled out for 108, resulting in a memorable 55-run victory for Namibia.
3. 2016: Afghanistan’s surprise win against West Indies
Afghanistan pulled off a surprise victory against the eventual champions, West Indies, during the 2016 T20 World Cup. Despite West Indies’ strong batting lineup, Afghanistan’s bowlers restricted them to 117/8, defending a modest total of 123/7. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi played pivotal roles, securing a historic win for Afghanistan.
4. 2014: Nepal’s upset over Afghanistan
In the 2014 T20 World Cup, Nepal caused a major upset by defeating Afghanistan. Making their T20 World Cup debut, Nepal batted first and posted a competitive total of 141/5, with Subash Khakurel scoring a gritty half-century. Afghanistan’s top-order collapse and disciplined bowling by Nepal’s Jitendra Mukhiya (3 wickets) led to their downfall, as they were restricted to 132/8, handing Nepal a memorable victory.
5. 2024: USA’s historic win against Pakistan
The most recent upset occurred during the 2024 T20 World Cup when USA stunned defending champions Pakistan. In a closely contested match, USA restricted Pakistan to 159/7 before matching their total with composed batting performances from Monank Patel (captain), Andries Gous, and Aaron Jones. The match went to a thrilling Super Over, where USA emerged victorious, showcasing their rising stature in international cricket.
These upsets underscore the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where underdogs often rise to the occasion, challenging established cricketing giants. USA’s recent triumph serves as a testament to the growing competitiveness and diversity within the sport, captivating cricket enthusiasts worldwide.