Top 5 biggest upsets in ODI cricket history

The idea of an underdog unsettling the favorites has been romanticized in the modern era since the beginning of time.  Not only it promotes the game to another level but also captivates the attention of viewers.  The unpredictable nature of the game is a part of the dazzle that gives rise to Hollywood portrayals such as the Southpaw. Today we are going to look back at five such enthralling and deafening instances when the favorites were undone by their opposition:

5) Ireland vs England , 2011

This upset is recognized as one of the greatest moments in the history of this tournament. Batting first England posted a mammoth total of 327. Fifties from Bell, Pieterson and Trott ensured that England finish strong at the end of fifty overs.

327 was always going to be difficult for Ireland against a quality bowling line up comprising of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swan. Ireland had a terrible start. They lost their captain, Porterfield early without troubling the scorers. Ed Joyce then joined hands with Paul Sterling to provide some stability to the chase.  Cameos from Nial O Brien and Alex Cusack provided acceleration to the Irish innings but it was Kevin O Brien’s quickfire 113 that proved to be the difference between the two sides

4) Scotland vs England, 2018

Before this match, England were triumphant, squashing almost every one that came in their way. Heading into this match England enjoyed some great success in one day cricket- both home and away. And so they were tipped as huge favourites against Scotland. But the Scotts had some other  ideas.

Batting first Scotland posted a massive total of 371 on the back of an unbeaten 140 from Callum Macleod. He was well supported by Kyle Coetzer and George Munsey at the crease. Chasing 371 England got off to a blazing start with Bairstow leading the charge. He went on to score a blistering century to help his team keep up with the asking rate. Despite late flurries from Moen Ali and Liam Plunkett England fell short by a few runs. Scottish bowlers took wickets at regular intervals eventually getting the opposition all out for 365.

3) Pakistan vs Ireland, 2007

This group stage encounter of the 2007 world cup was a must win game for Pakistan who had lost their opening game against West Indies. The upset for the ages was played on St Patrik’s day, a religious celebration day for the Irish. On this special occasion Ireland pulled off a miraculous victory as they knocked out Inzamam Ul Haq led Pakistan out of the tournament. Nial O Brien and Boyd Rankin were the stars of the match with ball and ball respectively.  Rankin picked 3 key wickets to help his team restrict the cornered tigers to a partly score of 132. Nial O Brien successfully anchored the Irish chase, scoring 72 of 107 balls.   

2) India vs Bangladesh, 2007  

This moment is probably one of the biggest highlights in the history of Bangladesh cricket. An upset which not only sent shockwaves around billion of Indian fans, but also led to a humiliating exit of the Indian Cricket Team from the 2007 world cup. The pair of Mashrafe Murtaze and Abdur Razzaq did the trick for the Bangla tigers as they ripped through the Indian batting.  Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh   tried to resurrect the innings for India, before they suffered another batting collapse, losing the last six for just 34 runs.  Half centuries from Shakib, Tamim and Mushfiqur ensured Bangladesh reach the finishing line.

1) Australia vs Bangladesh, 2005

 Who in their wildest dreams would have predicted a rookie victory against the champions?  No one right? But they did it. Bangladesh stood tall and chased down a competitive total of 249. Batting first Australia lost Ponting and Gilchrist cheaply, leaving them in a spot of bother.  Damien Martyn then joined hands with Clarke to help the world champions reach a fighting total. Tapash Baisya was the pick of the bowlers for the underdogs. Requiring 250 to register a huge victory, Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start, losing opener Iqbal early. Oman and Imran then steadied the innings before the latter was dismissed by Brad Hogg. Then stepped in Mohommad Ashraful who scored an important run a ball century to pull off a major coup. He was well supported by  captain, Habibul Bashar at the other end. The closing touches were provided by Aftaq Ahmad and Mohommad Rafique.  This match is a prime example of the saying that “if you work hard and believe then one day you can achieve the impossible”