Cricket’s shortest format has often been called a “great leveller,” where skill, strategy, and courage can overturn history and rankings in just 40 overs. Yet, even in the unpredictable world of T20Is, some results have left fans, experts, and even players stunned.
One such jaw-dropping result came when Nepal defeated two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies, a result that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and underlined the rise of Associate nations on the global stage.
In the high-voltage clash at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur (2025), Nepal chased down a daunting target of 182 with four balls to spare, thanks to Kushal Bhurtel’s 72 off 44 balls and Dipendra Singh Airee’s explosive 34 off 14*. The hosts’ fearless run chase against a team packed with T20 superstars was more than a victory — it was a statement of intent from a rising cricketing force.
But Nepal’s heroics are part of a larger story. Before their famous triumph, several Associate nations had already carved their names into T20 folklore by toppling cricketing giants. Here’s a look back at seven of the most unforgettable T20I upsets by Associate teams that set the stage for Nepal’s milestone moment.
1. Netherlands Shock England – 2009 T20 World Cup, Lord’s
- Match: England vs Netherlands, ICC T20 World Cup Group Match, Lord’s, June 5, 2009
- Result: Netherlands won by 4 wickets (last ball)
In the opening match of the 2009 T20 World Cup, the cricketing world witnessed one of its biggest upsets. England, playing at home and boasting a strong squad, set a target of 163. The Dutch, led by Tom de Grooth’s 49 off 30, chased it down dramatically, scampering for two runs off the final ball to seal a stunning victory. It was the night the Netherlands announced themselves to world cricket.
2. Hong Kong Stun Bangladesh – 2014 T20 World Cup, Chattogram
- Match: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, ICC T20 World Cup Group Match, March 20, 2014
- Result: Hong Kong won by 2 wickets
In front of a packed home crowd, Bangladesh collapsed under pressure against Hong Kong. Chasing just 144, Hong Kong’s lower order held their nerve, and Nadeem Ahmed’s 4/21 helped skittle Bangladesh for 108. The result not only embarrassed the hosts but also showcased how far Associate nations had come.
3. Netherlands Humble England Again – 2014 T20 World Cup, Chattogram
- Match: England vs Netherlands, ICC T20 World Cup Group Match, March 31, 2014
- Result: Netherlands won by 45 runs
Five years after their Lord’s heroics, the Dutch repeated history — this time with an even more dominant display. Defending a modest 133, the Netherlands bowled England out for a humiliating 88. Mudassar Bukhari (3/12) and Logan van Beek (3/9) led a ruthless bowling attack that dismantled the English lineup.
4. Namibia Crush Sri Lanka – 2022 T20 World Cup, Geelong
- Match: Namibia vs Sri Lanka, ICC T20 World Cup First Round, October 16, 2022
- Result: Namibia won by 55 runs
Sri Lanka, former T20 world champions, were expected to breeze past Namibia. Instead, Namibia posted a competitive 163/7 thanks to Jan Frylinck’s 44 and then bowled Sri Lanka out for just 108. The huge 55-run win was a statement of Namibia’s arrival on the world stage.
5. Scotland Down Bangladesh – 2021 T20 World Cup, Muscat
- Match: Scotland vs Bangladesh, ICC T20 World Cup First Round, October 17, 2021
- Result: Scotland won by 6 runs
At 53/6, Scotland looked doomed. But Chris Greaves’ counterattacking 45 lifted them to 140. In reply, Scotland’s disciplined bowling restricted Bangladesh to 134/7, sealing a memorable victory and proving that composure can conquer experience in T20 cricket.
6. Netherlands Knock South Africa Out – 2022 T20 World Cup, Adelaide
- Match: Netherlands vs South Africa, ICC T20 World Cup Super 12, November 6, 2022
- Result: Netherlands won by 13 runs
In a match that turned the tournament upside down, the Netherlands scored 158/4 before restricting a strong South African side to 145/8. Colin Ackermann’s 41 off 26* and sharp fielding sealed the deal, eliminating South Africa from semifinal contention and sending Pakistan through.
7. Ireland Stun England – 2022 T20 World Cup, Melbourne
- Match: England vs Ireland, ICC T20 World Cup Super 12, October 26, 2022
- Result: Ireland won by 5 runs (DLS method)
A rain-hit thriller saw Ireland repeat their World Cup heroics against England. Skipper Andrew Balbirnie’s 62 off 47 guided them to 157, and their bowlers did just enough to stay ahead of the DLS par score when rain ended play early. The victory reignited Ireland’s legacy as giant-killers on the global stage.
A New Era, Nepal’s Turn to Roar
From the Dutch miracle at Lord’s to Namibia’s demolition of Sri Lanka, Associate nations have consistently rewritten the script in T20I cricket. Nepal’s triumph over West Indies isn’t just another upset — it’s a symbol of how global and competitive the game has become. As the sport grows beyond traditional powerhouses, these underdog victories serve as reminders that in T20 cricket, belief and bravery can conquer history and hierarchy.
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