By Zainab Shafiq 
The shorter the format, the greater the chance of an upset, and T20Is have delivered some of the most shocking results in cricket history. Associate nations, often written off as underdogs, have time and again risen to the occasion to humble Full Member powerhouses on the world stage. From Hong Kong stunning Bangladesh to the USA scripting history against Pakistan, these moments remind us why T20 cricket is the most unpredictable format of all.
Here’s a look at the top seven famous T20I upsets by Associate nations.
1. Hong Kong vs Bangladesh – T20 World Cup 2014
Bangladesh were expected to cruise past Hong Kong in Chattogram, but the Associate nation had other plans. Tanwir Afzal’s early breakthroughs and Nadeem Ahmed’s superb 4/21 restricted the hosts to 108. Chasing the modest target, Munir Dar’s gritty 36 and Haseeb Amjad’s last-ball six sealed an unforgettable win. It was Hong Kong’s first T20 World Cup victory and one of Bangladesh’s most humiliating defeats at home.
2. Netherlands vs England – T20 World Cup 2014
On the same tournament stage, the Netherlands caused another earthquake. Their disciplined batting led to a total of 133/5, before their bowlers ran through England for just 88. Wesley Barresi and Stephan Myburgh did the job with the bat, while Mudassar Bukhari and Logan van Beek starred with the ball. It was a night England fans would rather forget and Dutch cricket’s finest hour.
3. Afghanistan vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2016
Afghanistan, then still an Associate nation, stunned the eventual champions West Indies in Nagpur. Najibullah Zadran’s unbeaten 48 rescued Afghanistan from 56/5, helping them to 123/7. Their spinners then weaved magic, with Mohammad Nabi keeping his cool in the final over to seal a 6-run win. It was a statement of intent from Afghanistan, who were soon after awarded Full Member status.
4. Pakistan vs USA – T20 World Cup 2024
One of the most shocking upsets in cricket history came on American soil. Co-hosts USA, still considered an Associate force despite rapid growth, took down Pakistan in a thriller. Both sides finished on 159, leading to a Super Over. Monank Patel’s composed half-century and Aaron Jones’ nerveless cameo helped USA hold their nerve, knocking Pakistan out early and announcing the USA’s arrival on the global stage.
5. Namibia vs Sri Lanka – T20 World Cup 2022
Sri Lanka entered the 2022 T20 World Cup as reigning Asia Cup champions, but Namibia flipped the script in the tournament opener. Jan Frylinck’s all-round brilliance (44 with the bat, 2 wickets with the ball) powered Namibia to 163/7. JJ Smit’s fiery spell then demolished Sri Lanka, bundling them out for 108. The 55-run victory remains one of Namibia’s proudest moments in international cricket.
6. Netherlands vs South Africa – T20 World Cup 2022
South Africa’s history of World Cup heartbreaks grew longer after their stunning defeat to the Netherlands in Adelaide. Defending 158, the Dutch held their nerve as South Africa’s chase collapsed to 145/8. Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 41 gave his side a defendable total, while disciplined bowling exposed South Africa’s nerves. The result knocked the Proteas out of the tournament, sending shockwaves through world cricket.
7. Scotland vs West Indies – T20 World Cup 2022
The two-time champions West Indies were humbled by Scotland in Hobart. George Munsey’s fluent 66* guided Scotland to 160/5 before their bowlers bundled the Caribbean side out for just 118. The 42-run victory not only gave Scotland a famous scalp but also played a big role in West Indies’ shock early exit from the tournament.
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