Associate nations have been steadily making their mark in men’s T20I cricket, occasionally stunning established full member teams with remarkable performances. Over the years, a few victories stand out not only for their significance but also for the margin of victory. Here’s a look at the five biggest wins by associate nations against full members in men’s T20Is.
1. Nepal vs West Indies
Nepal created history by becoming the first associate nation to win a T20I series against a full member. They defeated two-time world champions West Indies in the first two matches of their three-game bilateral series in the UAE. Along with the series win, Nepal recorded the largest T20I victory by run margin among associate nations against a full member, cementing their place in cricket history.
2. Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe (January 2016)
Afghanistan posted a massive 215/6, thanks to Mohammad Shahzad’s sensational 118 off 67 balls. Zimbabwe could manage only 134 before being bowled out in 18.1 overs, giving Afghanistan an 81-run victory. This triumph remains one of the most dominant performances by an associate nation against a full member in T20Is.
3. Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe (World T20, Nagpur)
In a Group B World T20 match in Nagpur, Afghanistan scored 186/6 with contributions from Mohammad Shahzad (40 off 23), Mohammad Nabi (a quick half-century), and Samiullah Shinwari (43). Rashid Khan’s brilliant 3/11 helped bowl Zimbabwe out for 127 in 19.4 overs, giving Afghanistan a 59-run win and reinforcing their reputation as giant-killers in the format.
4. Namibia vs Sri Lanka (2022 T20 World Cup)
Namibia pulled off a stunning victory over former champions Sri Lanka in a Group A match in Geelong, Australia. Jan Frylinck’s handy innings guided Namibia to 163/7, and disciplined bowling saw Sri Lanka bowled out for 108 in 19 overs. This win was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the T20 World Cup.
5. Netherlands vs Zimbabwe (June 2019)
The Netherlands defeated Zimbabwe in Rotterdam with Roel van der Merwe top-scoring with an unbeaten 75 off 39 balls. The Netherlands posted 199/6, and a collective bowling effort restricted Zimbabwe to 150, giving the Netherlands a 49-run victory. This remains one of the highest-margin wins by an associate nation against a full member in T20Is.
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