Zimbabwe stunned the cricketing world as they secured an awe-inspiring 3-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI on Saturday. Australia were dismissed for a meager score of 141, with Ryan Burl picking up a 5-wicket haul. The tourists took 39 overs in reaching the target of 142 runs.
Zimbabwe’s win has been described as one of the biggest upsets in the history of ODI cricket as they defeated Australia in their own home. But where does the result rank among the top ODI upsets in the 21st century?
5. Scotland vs England 2018: Not too long ago, Scotland completed a stunning victory over a high-flying England. Batting first, Scotland put a whopping score of 371 runs on the board. While England put up a brave fight, they were eventually bowled out for 365.
4. Pakistan vs Ireland, 2007 ODI World Cup: It was the group stage of the 2007 ODI World Cup where Pakistan were stunned by Ireland. The Inzamam ul Haq-led side only scored 132 runs while batting first. Though Mohammad Sami did trouble Ireland a bit but his effort couldn’t prevent a 3-wicket win for the Irish.
3. India vs Bangladesh, 2007 ODI World Cup: An upset that will always haunt the Indian cricket team for a long time. It was this loss that sent the Men in Blue crashing out of the World Cup. In the match, India lost their last 6 wickets for just 34 runs, bundling out for just 191. Chasing the target, Bangladesh overhauled India’s total in 48.3 overs with 5 wickets in hand.
2. Australia vs Bangladesh 2005: In the Natwest trophy, the mighty Australians were blown apart by the Bangla Tigers. The then world champions had put a competitive total of 249 runs on the board, courtesy of Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke’s half-centuries. Bangladesh, despite being 3 down for 72 at one stage, overhauled the total with 5 wickets in hand, thanks to Mohammad Ashraful’s century.
1. England vs Ireland, 2011 ODI World Cup: For the most part of the match, it looked like the contest would be a walkover for England. Having posted a total of 327 runs on the board, England had reduced Ireland to 111 for 5. But, Kevin O’Brien wasn’t giving up. He scored a 63-ball 113 to register one of the most memorable wins in the history of the game.
Where would you rank Zimbabwe’s win over Australia in this list? For us, it slots in at No. 4.
