The ICC ODI World Cup is the biggest cricket tournament, where all the teams vie for glory. It also gives a chance to some of the weaker teams to upset the stronger ones.
One such shocker happened in the 2023 ODI World Cup, when Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs in Delhi. This was not the first time that a minnow had toppled a giant in the World Cup history.
Here are the five greatest upsets in ODI World Cup history.
5. Afghanistan beating England by 69 runs in Delhi – 2023 ODI World Cup
England faced a stunning defeat by Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Delhi. The spinners of Afghanistan exploited the conditions and bowled out England for 215, chasing 285.
Afghanistan’s total was built on the back of a fiery 80 by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a steady 58 by Ikram Alikhil. The duo added 121 runs for the second wicket and set the platform for a big score.
Afghanistan’s fans celebrated their historic win over the defending champions. Their captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, said that this was not their last win in the tournamen
4. Kenya beating West Indies by 73 runs in Pune – 1996 ODI World Cup
Kenya pulled off a stunning upset over West Indies in the 1996 ODI World Cup. They defended 166 runs at Pune against a star-studded Windies team.
Kenya were bowled out for a low score, with extras (37) being the highest contributor. West Indies were expected to chase it down easily, but they collapsed under pressure.
Kenya’s bowlers, led by Rajab Ali (3/17), dismissed West Indies for 93, marking the beginning of their decline in world cricket.
3. Zimbabwe beating Australia by 13 runs in Nottingham – 1983 ODI World Cup
Zimbabwe stunned Australia in their first ODI World Cup match in 1983. They scored 239 for 6 in 60 overs, thanks to Duncan Fletcher’s unbeaten 76.
Australia were on track to chase the target, but Fletcher’s bowling changed the game. He took four key wickets, including Hughes and Hookes, to derail Australia’s innings.
Zimbabwe won by 13 runs and made a memorable debut in the World Cup.
2. Ireland beating England by 3 wickets in Bengaluru – 2011 ODI World Cup
England faced Ireland in a thrilling World Cup match in 2011. England scored 327/8, but Ireland chased it down with three wickets to spare.
Ireland’s hero was Kevin O’Brien, who hit the fastest World Cup century in 50 balls. He scored 113 off 63 balls and shared a 162-run stand with Cusack (47).
O’Brien’s innings was a part of World Cup folklore, as he led Ireland to a historic win over England.
1. India beating West Indies by 43 runs in London – 1983 ODI World Cup
India defied all odds and won the 1983 ODI World Cup by beating West Indies in the final. They scored only 183, but their bowlers fought back brilliantly to defend the total.
India lost Gavaskar early and struggled to score against the West Indian pace attack. Srikkanth (38) was the top scorer, while Roberts (3/32) was the most successful bowler.
West Indies seemed to be cruising with Richards (33) smashing the ball around. But Kapil Dev took a stunning catch to dismiss him and changed the momentum of the game.
Madan Lal and Amarnath took three wickets each and rattled the West Indian batting. Dujon and Marshall tried to resist, but India wrapped up the match by 43 runs.
India lifted their first ODI World Cup trophy and created history at Lord’s.
