As one of the leading spectator sports on the planet, Cricket is rarely far from the sporting news headlines and occupies the minds of punters assessing the best betting new customer offers, with the latest international and IPL action generating huge betting turnover as fans attempt to predict the action.
Some of the time, the results go as many expect, with the favourites having a solid overall record in the biggest games. But not all of the time. There are also those results which have left fans and analysts scratching their heads…
1. India vs. West Indies, 1983 World Cup Final
One of the most iconic upsets in cricket history occurred during the 1983 World Cup Final. The West Indies team, led by Clive Lloyd, were the reigning champion and boasted a lineup of cricketing greats like Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, and Malcolm Marshall. India, led by Kapil Dev, were considered a massive underdog. India batted first and scored a modest 183 runs. However, a remarkable bowling performance, highlighted by Mohinder Amarnath and Madan Lal, helped India dismiss the West Indies for just 140, securing a 43-run victory and their first World Cup title.
2. Australia vs. Bangladesh, 2005
Bangladesh’s victory over Australia in 2005 is another monumental shock. In an ODI match in Cardiff, Bangladesh – a team that had been considered minnows – chased down Australia’s total of 249 with four wickets in hand. Mohammad Ashraful’s brilliant century was instrumental in Bangladesh’s historic win, marking one of the biggest upsets in ODI cricket.
3. Ireland vs. Pakistan, 2007 World Cup
Ireland’s stunning victory over Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup is etched in cricket history. In a low-scoring match, Ireland bowled out Pakistan for just 132 runs. They then chased down the target with three wickets to spare, thanks to a gritty innings from Niall O’Brien. This result not only knocked Pakistan out of the tournament but also marked Ireland’s arrival on the world stage.
4. England vs. Australia, 1882 (The Birth of the Ashes)
The match that gave birth to the Ashes, played at The Oval in 1882, remains one of the most surprising results in cricket history. Australia, considered underdogs, defeated England on their home turf. Chasing a modest target of 85 runs in the fourth innings, England collapsed for 77, losing by 7 runs. This shock defeat led to a mock obituary in The Sporting Times, stating that English cricket had died, thus giving rise to the Ashes series.
5. Sri Lanka vs. India, 1996 World Cup Semi-Final
Sri Lanka’s victory over India in the 1996 World Cup semi-final was unexpected, especially considering the match was played in Kolkata, India’s stronghold. Chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 251, India crumbled under pressure and were 120/8 when crowd trouble halted the match. Sri Lanka was awarded the win by default, advancing to the final where they would eventually win their first World Cup.
6. South Africa vs. Australia, 2008 (Johannesburg Test)
In the 2008 Test match in Johannesburg, South Africa improbably chased down a mammoth target of 414 runs against Australia, marking one of the highest successful run-chases in Test history. AB de Villiers’ brilliant unbeaten century and contributions from Graeme Smith and JP Duminy led South Africa to a six-wicket victory, shocking the cricketing world.
7. Kenya vs. West Indies, 1996 World Cup
Kenya’s victory over the West Indies in the 1996 World Cup was a major upset. Kenya, making their World Cup debut, bowled out the West Indies for just 93 runs in Pune, India. This stunning defeat was one of the lowest points for West Indies cricket and a landmark sporting moment for Kenya.
8. England vs. Netherlands, 2009 T20 World Cup
In the opening match of the 2009 T20 World Cup, the Netherlands shocked England at Lord’s. Chasing 163, the Netherlands reached the target off the final ball, securing a four-wicket win. This result was a major embarrassment for the host nation and a significant moment for associate cricket nations.
These matches highlight the unpredictability of cricket, where the underdog can triumph against the odds, creating some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.
