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 South Africa to their list of full-member victims, which already includes Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
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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 the 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 lost to the USA in a shocking way during the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dallas. The USA held their nerve in the Super Over, scoring 18 runs and keeping Pakistan to 13 runs, to win the game and make history.
Pakistan lost its first T20I match to an Associate nation, and Monank Patel was named Player of the Match for his calm 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
The Netherlands played Zimbabwe in a T20I in Rotterdam on June 23, 2019, for another Associate masterclass. The Dutch team played well in every way, first with the bat and 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.
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)
