3 biggest upsets Australia faced in Cricket history

Australia entered the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 as reigning ODI world champions, making them heavy favourites in every match they played. Batting first after winning the toss, they posted 138, with Brad Hodge contributing 35 not out and Andrew Symonds adding 33. Elton Chigumbura was the standout bowler for Zimbabwe, finishing with figures of 3 for 20.

Zimbabwe's chase looked in serious trouble when they slipped to 70 for 4. However, Brendan Taylor held his nerve and played an unbeaten knock of 60 off 45 deliveries to guide his side home. Vusi Sibanda had given Zimbabwe a brisk start with 23 off 16 balls at the top of the order. The result raised questions about whether the Aussies had approached the relatively new T20 format with the seriousness it deserved.

2. Losing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 to depleted Indian squad

The fourth Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, played in January 2021, stands as one of the most remarkable results in Test cricket history. Australia had not lost at that ground in 32 years, and their bowling attack of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon was at full strength. India, by contrast, were without Virat Kohli after the first Test and had lost several front-line bowlers to injury across the tour, fielding what was close to a third-string playing XI in Brisbane.

India were set 328 to win on the final day. Shubman Gill scored 91 and shared a century partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, who batted for over five hours, absorbed multiple body blows and contributed a fighting fifty. Rishabh Pant then played the career-defining innings of 89 to seal a famous victory. Mohammed Siraj, in only his third Test, also claimed a five-wicket haul during the match as the Indians won the series 2-1, successfully retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

1. Shambolic loss to Bangladesh in Darwin

Bangladesh produced one of the most comprehensive upsets in recent memory when they beat Australia by 9 wickets in the first Test at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, played from August 13 to 16, 2026. The hosts elected to bat first but were bowled out for 198 in their first innings. Hasan Mahmud was the key figure, claiming a six-wicket haul on the opening day and earning the Player of the Match award.

After conceding a mammoth 428, the Aussies managed 284 in their second innings, setting Bangladesh a target of just 57 runs, which they reached for the loss of one wicket. Tanzid Hasan scored a maiden Test hundred during the match, and Bangladesh were the better side throughout. It was their first Test win in Australia in only their third attempt and their first Test in the country in 23 years. Bangladesh had also beaten Australia in a Test at home in 2017, but this victory was even more one-sided.