The surprises add to an extensive list of T20 World Cup upsets we've seen over the years, here are the 3 dramatic upsets of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
The surprises add to an extensive list of T20 World Cup upsets we’ve seen over the years, here are the 3 dramatic upsets of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Netherlands 158/4, South Africa 145/8 (20 overs); Netherlands won by 13 runs
It was arguably the biggest upset of the 2022 T20I World Cup. This result had a huge impact on Bangladesh, Pakistan and India’s chances of making it to the next round. The equation was simple for South Africa. Win the match and qualify for the semifinal. Lose, go home. South Africa once again brought in their infamous choke with a semifinal berth at stake.
Opting to bowl first, the South African bowlers dominated play largely until Colin Ackermann unleashed a brilliant 41-run cameo to lift Netherlands to 158/4. It wasn’t a huge target given the batting power South Africa possessed but the batters failed miserably. The Netherlands attacked with their pace attack and the Proteas lost wickets at regular intervals and were not able to stitch any partnerships. Roelof van der Merwe took one of the catches of the tournament to dismiss David Miller, and eliminated South Africa from the World Cup.
Read More: T20 World Cup 2022: Top 3 Pakistan players to watch out for in the Semi-Final
Zimbabwe 130/8, Pakistan 129/8 (20 overs); Zimbabwe won by 1 run
Perth witnessed one of the most dramatic last-ball upsets as Pakistan fell short by one run against Zimbabwe. In what was a must-win match, Pakistan bowlers did extremely well to restrict Zimbabwe to 130. Pakistan lost their way in a simple run chase. Shan Masood starred with a 38-ball 44 but Sikandar Raza with a three-wicket haul turned the game in Zimbabwe’s favour. Pakistan needed 11 runs off 6 balls and Brad Evans conceded seven off the first two deliveries, followed by a single and a dot ball. The penultimate ball saw Mohammad Nawaz getting dismissed and Shaheen Afridi failed to make ground as Zimbabwe clinched a final ball thriller.
Ireland 157, England 105/5 (14.3 overs, Target:111); Ireland won by 5 runs (D/L method)
Eleven years after Kevin O’Brien led them to a famous victory against their neighbours in the memorable run-chase in Bengaluru, the Irish were once again at it. In a rain-curtailed encounter, Ireland scripted history winning the match by 5 runs (D/L method). England’s decision to win the toss and opt to field first under overcast conditions backfired as fortune favoured Ireland in Melbourne. Batting first, Ireland posted 157. In reply, England was struggling at 105 for five in 14.3 overs, when rain interrupted play. Even though Moeen Ali hammered a six at the start of Gareth Delany’s 14th over, England was still five short of 110, the DLS par score at that stage. With no more play possible due to bad weather, Ireland scripted yet another memorable win over England.
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