Nepal created history when they defeated the West Indies twice in a row last week: Here’s a list of the famous T20I victories by Associate countries against Full Member sides in T20Is.
Nepal vs West Indies (x2), 2025
A historic series win. Nepal were playing their first-ever bilateral T20I series against a Full Member team when they faced West Indies in the UAE. In the opening match, they posted 148-8 while batting first. They registered their first win against a Full Member country after defending the target, and then did one better in the second game with a massive 90-run win. They posted 173-6 batting first, before bowling out the Windies for 83, to register the biggest win by an Associate country against a Full Member.
Hong Kong vs Bangladesh, T20 World Cup 2014
Bangladesh, favourites to top Group A, faced Hong Kong in the first round of the 2014 T20 World Cup. Tanwir Afzal rocked the hosts early, striking twice in the first over to make it 3-2. From 51-2, Bangladesh folded to 108 all out in 17.3 overs, with Nadeem Ahmed taking 4-21. Hong Kong’s chase had added significance, as Nepal would advance to the next round if they reached the target inside 14 overs. Opener Irfan Ahmed scored 34, but Bangladesh stayed in the contest at 50-4, which became 50-5 after Mark Chapman, now playing for New Zealand, fell. Munir Dar’s 36 revived the innings before Haseeb Amjad struck a six to complete a famous win.
Netherlands vs England, T20 World Cup 2014
The Netherlands, fresh from their dramatic chase of 190 in 13.5 overs against Ireland to reach the Super 10s of the 2014 T20 World Cup, endured contrasting results in the next phase. They were bowled out for 39 by Sri Lanka but pushed South Africa close, losing by six runs. In their final game, against an already eliminated England, Wesley Barresi made 48 and Stephan Myburgh scored 39 to lift them to 133 for 5. The bowlers put on an inspired display, with Mudassar Bukhari and Logan van Beek picking three wickets each, as England crumbled to 88 in 17.4 overs, giving the Dutch a famous win.
Afghanistan vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2016
Afghanistan, who had earlier let go of a strong position against England, ended their 2016 T20 World Cup campaign by defeating eventual champions West Indies. Then an Associate country, Afghanistan, slipped to 56 for 5 in the 12th over before Najibullah Zadran’s unbeaten 48 from 40 balls lifted them to 123 for 7. Defending the modest target, Afghanistan relied heavily on spin, with 16 overs sent down by slow bowlers. The tactic worked as the West Indies struggled to build momentum. Mohammad Nabi bowled the final over, conceding just three runs and taking a wicket, as the West Indies finished on 117 for 8.
Pakistan vs USA, T20 World Cup 2024
In a historic upset, hosts USA defeated Pakistan in a Super Over last year, after both teams finished their 20 overs with identical scores of 159. Batting first, Pakistan, after being 26 for 3, posted 159 for 7, with Babar Azam contributing 44 runs in 43 balls, before Shadab Khan’s 25-ball 40 gave some late momentum. The USA were led by Monank Patel's 50, before his dismissal in the 15th over. However, it did not deter the team, as Aaron Jones, the find of the tournament, along with Andries Gous, took them to 159-3. In the Super Over, the United States scored 18 for 1, while Pakistan managed 13, resulting in their early elimination.
Namibia vs Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2022
Namibia stunned Sri Lanka in the opening match of the 2022 T20 World Cup. After being invited to bat first, Namibia posted 163-7 in 20 overs. They were 93-6 at one stage, but Jan Frylinck contributed 44 runs in 28 balls, while JJ Smit added an unbeaten 31 in 16. In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 108 to give Namibia a commanding 55-run victory.
Netherlands vs South Africa, T20 World Cup 2022
There cannot be last-minute drama if South Africa are involved in a World Cup. South Africa faced the Netherlands at the Adelaide Oval, with a win needed to take them into the semis. The Netherlands batted first, posting 158-4 in 20 overs, with Colin Ackermann contributing a 26-ball 41*. In response, South Africa got off to a steady start and were 90-3 in 12.2 overs at one stage, needing a further 69 runs in 48 deliveries. This is where catastrophe struck: They were soon 120-7 as the run rate kept climbing. Keshav Maharaj hung around for 13 runs, but the target fell out of hand in the end, as they lost by 13 runs. Another heartbreak.
Scotland vs West Indies, T20 World Cup 2022
It was the tournament of surprise wins, as Scotland defeated the West Indies by 42 runs to script a major upset. Batting first, Scotland scored 160-5, with George Munsey making an unbeaten 66 off 53 balls. In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 118 in 18.3 overs, leaving the West Indies in a position where they needed to win their remaining matches to advance to the Super 12 stage. They lost to Ireland as well and were eliminated.
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