Top 5 biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history ft. AUS vs ZIM 2026
Zimbabwe shocked everyone by defeating Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The T20 World Cup has always been popular for producing entertaining matches. The fast-paced nature of the shortest format and the larger number of participating nations compared to other ICC tournaments make this event even more exciting and engaging, attracting a huge global viewership.
Since the inception of the tournament, we have seen many associate teams challenge big cricketing nations and produce memorable upsets. On any given day, any team can deliver their best performance and defeat a stronger opponent, which makes the T20 World Cup truly special.
Every edition of the tournament has featured matches where underdogs shocked everyone by upsetting far stronger teams. On that note, let’s have a look at the top 5 biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.
5. USA vs Pakistan 2024
The United States of America (USA) defeated Pakistan in a group-stage match of the 2024 T20 World Cup, shocking the entire cricket fraternity. Both teams were placed in Group A and faced each other in Dallas.
Bowling first, the USA restricted Pakistan to a total of 159/7, with Nosthush Kenjige starring by picking up three wickets. Chasing the target, Monank Patel scored a brilliant fifty, while Andries Gous and Aaron Jones also contributed valuable runs.
The USA managed to level the scores and forced the match into a Super Over, where they scored 18 runs against Mohammad Amir. Defending the total, Saurabh Netravalkar restricted Pakistan to 13/1, securing a historic victory for the USA team.
4. Ireland vs England 2022
Ireland claimed an incredible victory against their neighbours England in the 2022 T20 World Cup in a rain-interrupted match. Batting first, they posted a total of 157, with captain Andrew Balbirnie scoring 62 runs off 47 balls.
While defending the target, Ireland did a great job, with Joshua Little picking up two wickets and reducing England to 105/5 in 14.3 overs.
After that, rain interrupted the match, and it could not be resumed, giving Ireland a five-run victory via the DLS method. This win became even more special as England went on to win the championship later.
3. Netherlands vs England 2009
In 2009, England faced a famous upset against their European rivals, the Netherlands. At the iconic venue of Lord’s, England batted first and posted a total of 162/5.
The score seemed competitive considering the relatively inexperienced Netherlands side, but the Dutch team came prepared and chased the target on the very last ball of the match, scoring 163/6. This game is still remembered for its thriller.
2. Afghanistan vs West Indies 2016
West Indies dominated the 2016 edition of the T20 World Cup, winning the championship after defeating England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. However, they faced a famous upset in their Super 10 match against Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan team was not very popular back then and were still an associate side. Batting first, they struggled and reached a total of 123/7.
It seemed to be an easy chase for the West Indies, but the Afghan bowlers did the unthinkable and restricted the Caribbean side to 117/8, winning the game by 6 runs and defeating the team that went on to win the title that year. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan starred, taking two wickets each.
1. Australia vs Zimbabwe 2026
At the top of the list is the most recent encounter, Zimbabwe defeated Australia in the T20 World Cup 2026. It was actually not the first time they defeated the mighty Aussies in the tournament; they had done it once before and maintained their unbeaten record.
Batting in Colombo, they scored 169/2. It still seemed like the Australian team would chase this total easily, but the Zimbabwe team didn’t give up and took some early wickets, putting pressure on the Australian batting lineup. They managed to stop Australia at 146, with Blessing Muzarabani picking up 4 wickets.
Which associate team defeated the mighty West Indies in the 2016 T20 World Cup?
Afghanistan defeated the eventual winners of the 2016 edition, the West Indies, in a Super 10 match.
Which associate team defeated Australia in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs.
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Kabaddi is old, but not older than my love for it. I am still a rookie, but kabaddi is one thing I have been following passionately since my childhood. I don't miss any matches of the league and I regularly follow domestic and international tournaments as well.