Top 3 biggest upsets in ODI history

The first-ever ODI match in cricket history was played on 5^th January, 1971, between Australia and England, and since then, there have been 5,006 ODI games played so far. Over the years, the format has served fans everything, including high-scoring run-fests, low-scoring thrillers and dramatic finishes.

Apart from that, there have also been some memorable upsets in 50-over cricket that left the world stunned. Here are the top three biggest upsets ever seen in ODI history:

1. Bangladesh vs India – 2007 ODI World Cup

India arrived at the 2007 World Cup as one of the tournament favourites, especially after their runner-up finish in the previous edition in 2003. The Men in Blue boasted a star-studded line-up, from top to bottom. However, they were undone by Bangladesh in their very first match of the tournament, suffering a five-wicket defeat in Port of Spain.

India were bowled out for 191 after a disciplined bowling effort from Bangladesh, before half-centuries from Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan helped their team chase down the target in 48.3 overs. As a result, India couldn’t recover from the shock defeat and suffered an early exit from the tournament.

2. Ireland vs Pakistan – 2007 World Cup

Just like their arch-rivals India, Pakistan also suffered an early exit from the ODI World Cup 2007, following a three-wicket defeat against Ireland in Jamaica.

Batting first, Pakistan were dismissed for just 132, with Boyd Rankin (3/32, 9 overs) running through their lineup. Ireland then chased down the target in 41.4 overs to secure one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

As a result, Pakistan were knocked out in the group stage itself, while Ireland advanced to the Super Eight stage.

3. Ireland vs England – 2011 World Cup

Ireland produced another spectacular upset during the 2011 World Cup when they scripted history against England in Bengaluru, scripting the then-highest successful chase in World Cup history.

Kevin O'Brien etched his name in the history books, smashing the then-fastest hundred in World Cup off just 50 balls, rescuing his team from a precarious position of 111/5.  

He scored 113 (63) as Ireland chased down 328 in 49.1 overs, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.