The T20 World Cup 2022 is providing spectators with thrilling action every day, despite weather interfering in a few games. It goes without saying that we have witnessed underdogs defeating the absolute titans. The case of England comes under peculiar picture here.
The aforementioned statement is undoubtedly accurate, particularly in the case of Ireland. The West Indies, who have won the T20 World Cup twice, were eliminated in the preliminary rounds by the Irish lads. Additionally, they have defeated former champions England by a margin of five runs.
However, this is not the first time that England have lost a World Cup match against a side that is ranked lower than them. The country that invented cricket has struggled when playing against novices in international competitions.
Without a doubt, the game of cricket is quite unpredictable. In important matches, there are often many surprises and upsets. No team is exempt from this, not even the Three Lions. Here are four examples of cricket World Cup matches where a lower-ranked side defeated England.
4 Lower-Ranked Teams That Managed to Defeat England in World Cup Matches
1. Netherlands – T20 World Cup 2009
With the Netherlands as their opponents, England’s opening T20 World Cup match at home appeared to be a piece of cake. After scoring 162 runs while batting first, England under Paul Collingwood appeared formidable.
The Dutch debutante’s chances seemed incredibly implausible. However, Ryan Ten Doeschate’s cameo and Tom de Grooth’s knock of 49 proved pivotal. In the game’s final ball, the Netherlands prevailed.
2. Ireland – ODI World Cup 2011
When two neighbors faced off in the 2011 ODI World Cup, Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium saw a historic upset. After winning the toss, England scored an astounding 327 runs, setting up a huge total. Many believed they had eliminated the Irish team from the game.
Kevin O’Brien, who smacked a brilliant century and scored 113 runs off just 63 deliveries, had other intentions. With five balls remaining, Ireland triumphed thanks in large part to contributions from Alex Cusack and John Mooney.
3. Netherlands – T20 World Cup 2014
Five years after defeating England in a historic victory, the Netherlands turned in a comparable effort. This time, if anything, it was more forceful. Ireland’s bowlers put on a spectacular performance.
For just 88 runs, they managed to bungle out the English team. Mudassar Bukhari and Logan van Beek both claimed three wickets while defending 133 runs. Once again in a World Cup match, England were upset.
4. Ireland – T20 World Cup 2022
Ireland once again made history in Melbourne, 11 years after they upset the odds in the ODI World Cup. They defeated England by five runs in a match that was interrupted frequently by rain at the MCG. England were five runs behind the needed Duckworth and Lewis total when the final rain delay started.
