Ireland has once again proven their mettle in ICC competitions, defeating England at the MCG on Wednesday by a score of 5 runs (DLS).

After two victories in ODIs, the victory today over England is the first in T20Is and, coupled with Australia’s earlier loss to New Zealand, further destabilizes Group 1 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

The smash-and-grab victory against their neighbors is just one of many unexpected results from T20 World Cups throughout the years.

Read More: Rain plays spoilsport as Proteas lose points against Zimbabwe

2009 saw Ireland overcome Bangladesh

When Ireland turned their attention to the 2009 T20 World Cup, it was two years after their dramatic victory over Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup—and on St. Patrick’s Day, no less—and they continued to display their white-ball class.

Ireland took on Bangladesh in their opening T20 World Cup game on a Trent Bridge field that both teams appeared to relish. Although they were confident, the guys in green let 137 runs slip after restricting Bangladesh to 90/6.

With the bat, Ireland’s best response was on display. Kevin O’Brien (39* off 17 balls) made sure the game was won in the penultimate over after older brother Niall O’Brien (40 from 25 balls) established the tone.

2014 saw Hong Kong overcome Bangladesh

Tanwir Afzal nearly silenced the surprised Chittagong crowd when he bowled Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman in the first over.

At 85/3, the hosts appeared to have things under control, but spinners Nadeem Ahmed (4/21) and Nizakat Khan shredded a helpless middle order devoid of solutions. aided by a supporting fielding performance that saw brilliant catches from wicketkeeper Jamie Atkinson and outfielder Babar Hayat to restrict their opponents to 109.

After Mahmudullah claimed Mark Chapman, a former international for Hong Kong, to leave Hong Kong reeling at 50/5, Shakib made early progress by dismissing Waqas Barkat. Hong Kong then looked at longer odds.

While Munir Dar, 40, displayed composure during their attack, making 36 (27), he was defeated by Abdul Razzak with nine still needed. With two balls left to play, Haseeb Amjad stood strong for Hong Kong and blasted a one-handed six over cover to secure the victory.

Read More: Taskin Ahmed takes four as Bangladesh beat Netherlands

2021 saw Scotland overcome Bangladesh

Not only was there an unprecedented upset on the opening day of the 2021 edition in Oman, but there may have also been one of the greatest comebacks in T20I history. Chris Greaves, who had just made his debut a few days early, saved the guys in purple while perilously positioned at 53/6.

Kyle Coetzer’s team gained the upper hand when Bangladesh lost early wickets thanks to his incredible 45 in 28 balls, which helped them reach a manageable 140. Bangladesh drew nearer, but their run was timed just a little bit too late. Brad Wheal’s 3/24 and Chris Greaves’ double salvo helped him win player of the match.

In 2014, the Netherlands defeated England

Five years after their 2009 loss, history repeated itself, but this time it came as a double blow after England had already been eliminated from the competition.

On a slow surface, Stephan Myburgh pushed the action along while picking out a fielder to fielder to give Ravi Bopara and England a breakthrough. After being 110/2, the Dutch would have regretted a slow finish as England pegged them back to 133/5.

But when they had the ball, the Dutch flawlessly carried out their strategies. Michale Lumb and Alex Hales were both out in two balls thanks to Mudassar Bukhari (3-12). Eoin Morgan was replaced by Timm van der Gugten, and England was left in disarray on 26/3. After Tim Bresnan was run out by the bouncing Bukhari, Peter Borren hit with his first ball to put the Dutch in command at 32/4.

After falling to 88 all out in just 18 overs thanks to the bowling of Logan van Beek, who finished with three wickets, England was forced to reconsider its white-ball strategy going forward.

In 2007, Zimbabwe defeated Australia

Although few would have predicted an all-conquering Australian team losing to Zimbabwe, the early years of T20 cricket tended to produce unexpected results.

Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist were both out in Elton Chigumbura’s three overs for 3/20. The middle order was choked by Gary Brent’s 2/19, as Australia gripped and struggled to make just 138.

Zimbabwe maintained its lead because of Vusi Sibanda’s 23 off 15 balls, while Brendan Taylor kept his composure when Zimbabwe needed 12 off the last over. In the end, he had 60 unanswered from 45 balls. When Zimbabwe had just 12 runs left in the game’s final over, Taylor swiped Nathan Bracken for four, giving Zimbabwe the victory with one ball remaining.