Key Points
- Nepal won their first bilateral T20I series against a Full Member nation by defeating West Indies twice in the UAE.
- The 90-run victory in the second match is the largest margin by an Associate team over a Full Member in T20Is.
- Other famous Associate upsets include Hong Kong’s win over Bangladesh (2014) and Afghanistan’s victory against West Indies (2016).
- Recent surprises like USA’s Super Over win over Pakistan (2024) and Namibia’s win against Sri Lanka (2022) showcase growing Associate strength.
ISLAMABAD: In a thrilling showcase of cricketing grit and determination, Nepal made headlines last week by defeating West Indies twice in a row in a bilateral T20 International (T20I) series in the UAE.
This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in cricket as Nepal secured its first-ever bilateral series victory against a Full Member nation. WE News English takes a closer look at this remarkable feat and highlights some of the most famous T20I upsets by Associate countries against Full Members.
Nepal vs West Indies (2025): A Historic Double Triumph
Nepal’s cricket team, playing their first bilateral T20I series against a Full Member side, stunned the cricket world with back-to-back victories over the West Indies. In the series opener, Nepal posted a competitive 148-8 batting first and successfully defended their total to claim their first win against a Full Member nation. Not content with just one victory, Nepal outclassed the Windies in the second match, scoring an imposing 173-6 and then bowling out the West Indies for a mere 83 runs. This emphatic 90-run win is now recorded as the largest margin of victory by an Associate country over a Full Member team in T20I cricket.
Other Famous T20I Upsets by Associate Nations
Hong Kong vs Bangladesh, T20 World Cup 2014
In one of the biggest shocks of the 2014 T20 World Cup, Hong Kong defeated Bangladesh, a favorite to top their group. Sparked by Tanwir Afzal’s early strikes and Nadeem Ahmed’s 4-wicket haul, Hong Kong bowled Bangladesh out for 108. Munir Dar’s crucial 36 runs and Haseeb Amjad’s finishing six sealed a historic win for the Associate nation.
Netherlands vs England, T20 World Cup 2014
The Netherlands’ stunning 133-5 helped them bowl out England for 88, marking a memorable win in the Super 10 stage. Wesley Barresi and Stephan Myburgh’s valuable innings, coupled with inspired bowling from Mudassar Bukhari and Logan van Beek, brought a rare victory against a Full Member side.
Afghanistan vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2016
Before gaining Full Member status, Afghanistan defeated the eventual champions West Indies. Despite a shaky start at 56-5, Najibullah Zadran’s unbeaten 48 and smart use of spin bowling, especially Mohammad Nabi’s final over, restricted the West Indies to 117-8, handing Afghanistan a notable upset.
Pakistan vs USA, T20 World Cup 2024
In a landmark moment for USA cricket, the hosts defeated Pakistan in a nail-biting Super Over after both sides scored 159. Led by Monank Patel’s 50 and Aaron Jones’ crucial partnership, USA secured an incredible victory that knocked Pakistan out early.
Namibia vs Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2022
Namibia shocked Sri Lanka by posting 163-7 and then bowling them out for 108, a 55-run victory that sent waves across the cricketing world. Jan Frylinck and JJ Smit’s key performances stood out in this memorable upset.
Netherlands vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2022
In a dramatic contest, the Netherlands held their nerve to defend 158 against South Africa, winning by 13 runs and denying the Proteas a semifinal berth. Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 41 and a dramatic collapse by South Africa highlighted this famous upset.
Scotland vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2022
Scotland’s 42-run victory over the West Indies saw George Munsey’s unbeaten 66 setting the platform for a major shock. Bowling out the West Indies for 118, Scotland’s win contributed to the early exit of the Caribbean giants from the tournament.
A New Era of T20 Cricket
Nepal’s recent triumph over the West Indies adds a thrilling chapter to the narrative of Associate nations rising in the competitive world of T20 cricket. As these teams continue to challenge traditional powerhouses, the global landscape of the sport grows more exciting and unpredictable. The cricketing community now eagerly awaits more such unforgettable upsets in future tournaments.
