Associate teams are no less these days! Namibia stunned everyone once again, defeating South Africa by 4 wickets in a T20 match played at their home ground.
This was the first time South Africa lost to an associate nation in T20Is. With this win, Namibia added their fourth full-member victim — after Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka, South Africa now joins the list.
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Namibia stun South Africa in historic T20 upset
Namibia defeated South Africa by 4 wickets in a T20 match at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, marking South Africa’s first-ever loss to an Associate nation in T20Is.
Batting first, South Africa managed only 134/8, with Jason Smith top-scoring with 31. Namibia’s Ruben Trumpelmann (3/28) led a disciplined bowling effort. In reply, Zane Green (30)* guided Namibia to victory with calm finishing touches.
Nepal Beat West Indies
In September 2025, Nepal created history by beating West Indies in Sharjah. Nepal first won the opening T20I by 19 runs, defending 148/8 as the Windies were restricted to 129/9. In the second game, Nepal completely dominated — bowling West Indies out for just 83 runs to win by 90 runs and seal the series 2–0. It was Nepal’s first-ever T20I series win over a Full Member, led by superb spells from Mohammad Aadil Alam (4/24) and Kushal Bhurtel (3/16).
West Indies vs Nepal (Sharjah, September 27, 2025)
- Nepal: 148/8 (20 overs)
- West Indies: 129/9 (20 overs)
- Result: Nepal won by 19 runs
USA Beat Pakistan
Earlier, in June 2024, Pakistan faced an equally shocking upset against the USA during the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dallas. Both teams ended on 159 runs, forcing a Super Over, where the USA held their nerve — scoring 18 and restricting Pakistan to 13 — to claim a historic win. It marked Pakistan’s first-ever T20I loss to an Associate nation, with Monank Patel named Player of the Match for his composed batting and leadership.
Pakistan vs USA (T20 World Cup, Dallas, June 6, 2024)
- Result: Match tied; USA won in the Super Over
- Pakistan: 159/7 (20 overs)
- USA: 159/3 (20 overs)
Namibia’s Stunning Triumph Over Sri Lanka – T20 World Cup 2022
One of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history came on October 16, 2022, when Namibia defeated 2014 champions Sri Lanka in the opening Group A match at Kardinia Park, Geelong.
Batting first, Namibia were in early trouble but found stability through Jan Frylinck’s gritty 44 off 28 balls and JJ Smit’s unbeaten 31 off 16. Their partnership lifted Namibia from 93/6 to a competitive 163/7 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s reply never got going. The African side’s bowlers, led by Ben Shikongo (2/22) and David Wiese (2/16), struck at regular intervals. Sri Lanka collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for just 108 in 19 overs, giving Namibia a 55-run win.
Match Summary:
- Namibia: 163/7 (Jan Frylinck 44, JJ Smit 31*)
- Sri Lanka: 108 (19 overs)
- Result: Namibia won by 55 runs
- Venue: Geelong, Australia
- Player of the Match: Jan Frylinck (NAM)
Netherlands’ Dominant Win Over Zimbabwe – June 23, 2019
Another Associate masterclass came in Rotterdam, when Netherlands took on Zimbabwe in a T20I on June 23, 2019. The Dutch side delivered a complete performance — first with the bat, then with the ball.
Batting first, Netherlands posted a commanding 199/6 thanks to Roel van der Merwe’s explosive unbeaten 75 off 39 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes. His late assault powered the hosts to one of their highest T20I totals.
Zimbabwe’s chase never gathered momentum. The Dutch bowlers shared wickets evenly, applying constant pressure and eventually bowling out Zimbabwe for 150. Netherlands secured a 49-run win, marking one of the most comprehensive Associate victories over a Full Member nation in T20I history — the fifth-highest win by run margin by an Associate against a Full Member.
Match Summary:
- Netherlands: 199/6 (Roel van der Merwe 75*)
- Zimbabwe: 150 (all out)
- Result: Netherlands won by 49 runs
- Venue: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Player of the Match: Roel van der Merwe (NED)
