Biggest T20 World Cup Upsets: USA vs Pakistan Tops the List

Few would have predicted the outcome of this dramatic group-state clash, as the 2024 edition co-hosts met the 2009 T20 World Cup champions in Dallas.

In a first-time T20 meeting between these nations, Pakistan posted a total of 159/7, which the United States matched thanks to Monank Patels important 50.

The match came down to a Super Over, with the Stars and Stripes benefitting from a tiring Mohammad Amir bowling three wide balls, to set a total of 18.

Pakistan, who had reached the semi-finals of six out of eight T20 World Cups, could only muster 13 as the USA won and ultimately reached the Super 8 stage.

England entered the 2009 edition as the gallant hosts, opening the T20 World Cup with a clash against the Netherlands at Lords that went against predictions.

The Lions started off with Ravi Bopara and Luke Wright posting a 102-run opening partnership, before the Dutch bowlers claimed five wickets for only 51 runs.

The Netherlands were under pressure early at 66-3, before Tom de Grooth smashed a crucial 49 from 30 balls, with Peter Borren posting a useful total of 30.

It was then up to Ryan ten Doeschate to take the Dutch over the line, with the crowd at Lords in awe as an overthrow saw England defeated on the final ball.

The 2014 T20 World Cup began with the so-called group stage, where eight countries (mostly Associate nation minnows) battled for the last two spots in the Super 10.

Nepal and Afghanistans clash was one of the standouts, with the Afghanis a few years away from becoming an Affiliate and the Nepalese making their T20 WC debut.

With Group A still not yet decided, Nepal set a total of 141/5 through an important 56 from Subash Khakurel and a useful contribution of 37 from Sharad Vesawkar.

The Nepalese bowling attack then dug in and put the screws on Afghanistan through regular wickets and impressive economy, sealing the most unlikely of victories.

In a different version of cricketing history, Namibia might have advanced to the Super 12 round of the 2022 T20 World Cup after their remarkable win against Sri Lanka.

Batting first in Geeling, Australia, Jan Frylinck put on a Man of the Match performance for the Eagles, contributing 44 runs from 28 balls as part of a defensible 163/7.

The Namibian was also one of the standouts of his countrys bowling innings, with figures of 2-26 to accompany two apiece from David Wiese and Bernard Scholtz.

Sri Lanka was kept under pressure from the onset of their innings, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa (20 runs) and captain Dasun Shanaka (29 runs) the only notable mentions.