Namibia pulled off a result that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. The hosts defeated South Africa by four wickets in their first-ever T20 meeting in Windhoek.
It was a night of celebration and disbelief, as Namibia chased down 135 runs off the final ball, sealing a win that will go down as one of their most memorable moments in cricket history.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Let us have a look at the five biggest upsets by an associate nation against a full member team.
What are the top 5 biggest upsets by associate nations in T20I cricket?
1. Namibia vs South Africa - 2025, Windhoek
Namibia’s latest heroics come right at the top of the list. South Africa chose to bat first and looked out of rhythm from the start. Their batting lineup struggled against Namibia’s disciplined bowling and they could manage only 134/8 in 20 overs.
In reply, Namibia didn’t have it easy either. They stumbled early but their skipper Erasmus steadied the chase before Zane Green’s calm innings saw them home on the final delivery.
2. Netherlands vs England - 2014 T20 World Cup, Chattogram
England were expected to walk over the Netherlands, but the Dutch bowlers had other plans.
Defending just 133, they bowled England out for a shocking 88. Mudassar Bukhari and Logan van Beek combined for six wickets, delivering one of the most embarrassing defeats in English T20 history.
READ: Kumble blames Jaiswal for his run out with Gill
3. Namibia vs Sri Lanka - 2022 T20 World Cup, Geelong
Namibia defeated the 2014 T20 World Cup champions Sri Lanka by 55 runs in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Jan Frylinck’s all-round show led Namibia to 163/7, before they bundled out Sri Lanka for only 108, proving their 2021 campaign wasn’t a fluke.
4. USA vs Pakistan - 2024 T20 World Cup, Dallas
In one of the most shocking results in World Cup history, the USA defeated Pakistan in a Super Over.
Pakistan’s 159 was matched by a determined American chase, and the hosts held their nerve in the decider, leaving fans stunned and Pakistan heartbroken.
5. Netherlands vs South Africa out - 2022 T20 World Cup, Adelaide
South Africa once again found themselves on the wrong side of history as the Netherlands eliminated them from semifinal contention.
Colin Ackermann’s 41* saw the Dutch defend 158 successfully, handing South Africa another painful World Cup exit.
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 odds, winners list, favourites to win, schedule and results
- ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final qualification scenarios: Rules, chances and points required for progressing from group stage
- How to bet online on cricket in India and the most trusted site
- All the latest cricket news
- All betting tips and predictions