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3 instances when an underdog team stunned India in the World Cup

Group B, Bangladesh v India - Cricket World Cup 2007
Group B, Bangladesh v India - Cricket World Cup 2007

Our wait is almost over as the ICC World Cup 2019 is all set to begin on 30th May. The tournament will take place in England and Wales, with 10 nations from all over the globe competing for the prestigious trophy.

India will be heading into the World Cup as joint favorites along with hosts England. With two World Cup wins and several appearances in the finals and semifinals, India are the second most successful team in World Cup history, only behind Australia.

However, India have had their share of failures as well. Here, we take a look at three instances when an underdog team stunned India in a World Cup encounter.


#1 Zimbabwe - 1999 World Cup

Zimbabwe after their win against India in the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
Zimbabwe after their win against India in the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

A minute of silence was observed before the match owing to the death of SachinTendulkar's father. He obviously had to go back home and did not play the match.

Neil Johnson and Grant Flower started the proceedings for Zimbabwe with the bat. Johnson departed early with just seven runs to his name, while Paul Strang who was sent in as the pinch hitter was also dismissed for 18. Murray Goodwin didn't stay at the crease for long and Zimbabwe were reeling at 87-3 at one stage.

Andy Flower was more than happy to join his brother at the crease and the two stitched together an important partnership for Zimbabwe. After the departure of Grant Flower, skipper Alastair Campbell joined Andy Flower and the pair put on 60 runs for the 5th wicket.

They would have been eyeing a target in excess of 270, before three quick wickets shattered their hopes. However, 51 extras helped them to a competitive total of 252.

India were penalized for their slow over rate and four overs were deducted from their innings. They suffered a further setback when Sourav Ganguly departed for just 13. Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin also got out early.

India's fightback came through Sadagoppan Ramesh and Ajay Jadeja, who added 99 runs together for the 5th wicket and got things back on track. However, a mini collapse followed and both the set players got out.

Robin Singh and Nayan Mongia added 44 runs and things were looking comfortable for India until Mongia departed for 28. Henry Olonga was bowling beautifully, and bowled Srinath with India needing four runs for victory. Prasad fell off the very next ball and Zimbabwe registered an improbable victory.

Zimbabwe: 252 for 9 wickets (50 overs), India: 249 all out (45 overs) (CWC 1999)

Also read - Cricket world cup prize money

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