Cricket, a game often characterized by its unpredictable nature, has witnessed some of the most captivating moments that have come from unexpected victories. Few women’s cricket matches have dramatic and shocking upsets that have enthralled fans and redefined the boundaries of the sport. From underdog teams defeating a high-ranking team to last-minute heroics, the biggest upsets in women’s cricket not only highlight the evolving competitive scene but also underline the sheer unpredictability and excitement of the game.
Here are the top five upsets in the women’s cricket history:
1) Ireland beat Pakistan, on May 25, 2009
In the only T20I of the Pakistan Women’s tour of Ireland, Pakistan elected to bat first in a rain-shortened match of 15 overs. Pakistan posted a total of 80/3, with Sajjida Shah top-scoring with 27 not out off 24 balls. Nazia Sadiq contributed 23 runs off 20 balls. For Ireland, Heather Whelan and Jill Whelan each took a wicket, with Heather Whelan being particularly economical, giving away just 5 runs in her 2 overs.
In response, Ireland chased down the target with ease, scoring 91/1 in just 10.3 overs. Isobel Joyce played a stellar innings, remaining unbeaten on 56 off 32 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. Clare Shillington supported with 21 runs off 20 balls. The only wicket for Pakistan was taken by Sana Mir. Ireland won their first-ever match against Pakistan by 9 wickets. Isobel Joyce’s dominant performance of 56 runs in the chase, earned her the Player of the Match award.
2) Ireland beat South Africa, on August 03, 2016
In the 2nd T20I of South Africa Women’s tour of Ireland, South Africa elected to field first. Ireland scored a total of 115/7 in their 20 overs. Clare Shillington top-scored with 48 off 41 balls, supported by Gaby Lewis with 26 off 38 balls. Marcia Letsoalo was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs. Ireland’s innings saw three runouts, highlighting South Africa’s sharp fielding efforts.
Chasing 116, South Africa struggled for runs and were eventually bowled out for 95 in 19.3 overs. Trisha Chetty scored 27 off 39 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered. They faced difficulties in building significant partnerships. Kim Garth was crucial with the ball for Ireland, claiming 2 wickets for 12 runs. Louise McCarthy and Isobel Joyce also contributed with key wickets. Ireland’s disciplined bowling and fielding led them to a 20-run victory, winning their first-ever match against South Africa and tying the two-match T20I series 1-1.
3) Thailand beat Sri Lanka, on June 09, 2018
In the 14th match of the Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup 2018, Sri Lanka faced Thailand, who won the toss and elected to field first. Sri Lanka managed to score 104 runs in their 20 overs, with Anushka Sanjeewani top scoring with 32 runs off 45 balls. Yasoda Mendis contributed a quick 22 off 15 balls. Wongpaka Liengprasert was the standout bowler for Thailand, taking 5 wickets for just 12 runs in her 4 overs, well-supported by Sornnarin Tippoch who claimed 2 wickets.
Chasing a target of 105 runs, Thailand reached the total with 4 balls to spare, scoring 105/6 in 19.2 overs. Naruemol Chaiwai anchored the innings with a patient 43 off 56 balls. Despite some lower-order setbacks, Wongpaka Liengprasert’s quick 13 off 9 balls ensured Thailand’s victory. Nilakshika Silva from Sri Lanka claimed 2 wickets for 17 runs. This close 4-wicket victory was marked as Thailand’s first-ever victory against Sri Lanka. Wongpaka Liengprasert was awarded with the player of the match accolade for her all-around contribution of claiming a 5-fer and scoring 13 runs in the chase.
4) Thailand beat Pakistan, on October 06, 2022
In the 10th match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2022/23, Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the toss, posting a total of 116/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Sidra Amin was the top scorer with 56 off 64 balls, while Muneeba Ali contributed 15 off 14 balls. For Thailand, Sornnarin Tippoch stood out among the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs.
Chasing a target of 117, Thailand achieved a thrilling victory with just one ball to spare, finishing at 117/6 in 19.5 overs. Natthakan Chantham led the charge with a match-winning inning, scoring 61 off 51 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Despite the efforts of Pakistan’s Nida Dar and Tuba Hassan, who both claimed 2 wickets each, Chantham’s outstanding performance of 61 runs earned her the Player of the Match award and secured Thailand’s first-ever win against Pakistan. This result meant that Pakistan missed the chance to top the table and had to face Sri Lanka in the semifinal, while Bangladesh failed to qualify. Thailand’s victory ensured their place in the semifinal.
5) Vanuatu beat Zimbabwe, on April 25, 2024
In the 4th match of Group B of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024, Zimbabwe faced Vanuatu, where the former elected to bat first. Zimbabwe’s innings was dominated by Vanuatu’s bowlers, resulting in Zimbabwe being bowled out for 61 in 13.3 overs. Sharne Mayers top-scored for Zimbabwe with 16 runs off 12 balls. Nasimana Navaika was the standout bowler for Vanuatu, taking 4 wickets for just 13 runs in her 4 overs. Vanessa Vira also made significant contributions with 3 wickets for 14 runs.
Chasing a modest target of 62, Vanuatu achieved their first-ever victory in global qualifiers, reaching 62/4 in 16.3 overs. Nasimana Navaika played a crucial role with both bat and ball, scoring 21 runs off 36 balls and being named Player of the Match. This win marked a historic moment for Vanuatu, an associate nation, as they triumphed over Zimbabwe, a full-time member nation.