Top 5 greatest upsets in ODI cricket history

The idea of an underdog undoing the champion has been romanticised in popular culture since the beginning of time. The unpredictable nature of sport is part of the charm that gives rise to Hollywood narratives like the movie Rocky, which details the journey of the little guy, who persevered and conquered.

In this segment, we look at some of the biggest upsets in the history of One Day International cricket, since its inception in 1971. Let us take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most enthralling and deafening upsets in the history of One Day International cricket.

#5 Australia vs Bangladesh, 2nd Match, NatWest Series at Cardiff, Jun 18 2005

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. They had a poor start as both Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting were dismissed early and they found themselves at 9/2 in the sixth over of the game. Fifties from Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke stabilised the innings in the middle overs. A brisk partnership between Michael Hussey and Simon Katich ensured that Australia finished strong at 249/5 at the end of 50 overs.

250 was always going to be a challenge for Bangladesh against a strong bowling line-up comprising of Glenn McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz, Jason Gillespie, and Brad Hogg. Bangladesh had a tentative start. They weren't ahead of the chase but were never out of it. They were at 72/3 at the end of 21 overs.

The partnership for the fourth wicket between captain Habibul Bashar and centurion Mohammad Ashraful was the game changer. Aftab Ahmed scored a brisk cameo to seal it for Bangladesh, who managed one of the greatest upsets in the history of ODI cricket by beating what many considered the most dangerous ODI side at the time.