World Cup History: Three biggest upsets in the tournament 

World Cup is the biggest cricket tournament and teams try to give their best to make a mark on the tournament. This is an opportunity for the less fancied teams to make their presence felt among the big boys of the game.

Even this edition of the World Cup has witnessed its share of upsets as we have seen some less fancied teams beat stronger teams. While Sri Lanka and Pakistan have a rich cricketing history, it was a surprise when they beat pre-tournament favourites and hosts England, given their recent form.

Afghanistan almost managed to pull off a stunning win over India, when they fell short in the final over. In the tournament's history, we have witnessed some huge upsets, so let us take a look at some of the most iconic ones.

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#3 Ireland vs England, 2011

Ireland vs England

When England managed to put a score of 327 on the board in the first innings, they seemed to be on course for a regulation win. Ireland seemed to be in even more deeper trouble when they were reduced to 111/5 in the second innings.

The minnows seemed to be down and out, but Kevin O'Brien had other ideas as he seemed to be a man on a mission. The all-rounder smashed the fastest century in the history of the World Cup to give hope to his country. The right-hander scored 113 runs off 63 balls as he built a 162 run partnership with Alex Cusack.

After completing his century and losing his partner, the all-rounder showed maturity as he tried to guide the Irish chase. The right-hander failed to take Ireland over the line but he managed to put his team on the cusp of victory. Ireland won the match by three wickets, and the innings from Kevin O'Brien became a part of World Cup folklore.

#2 Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1999

Bangladesh vs Pakistan

The match between Bangladesh and Pakistan seemed to be a clash between David and Goliath. Pakistan looked to be in fantastic form going into the game, while Bangladesh was playing its first World Cup. They had failed to score 200 in each of their first four matches in the tournament.

However, they finally managed to cross 200 run mark, but it didn't threaten to bother Pakistan. The 1992 champions got off to a horrible start as they were reduced to 42/5 and Bangladesh sensed a chance to make history.

Pakistan came back into the game with a half-century partnership for the sixth wicket between Azhar Mahmood and captain Wasim Akram but Bangladesh kept chipping in with wickets. Pakistan did not help their cause by some reckless running between the wickets. Eventually, Bangladesh held their nerves to win by 62 runs to register the biggest win in their history as Khaled Mahmud starred with three wickets.

#1 Pakistan vs Ireland, 2007

Pakistan vs Ireland

17th March is a special day for the Irish as they celebrate St. Patrick's Day. In 2007, the day became even more special as that day proved to be the then greatest day in the history of Ireland cricket.

Ireland had surprised everyone by earning a point by tieing their first match versus Zimbabwe. No one knew that an even bigger surprise was in store. Ireland bowled brilliantly to put pressure on Pakistan by taking early wickets. The Pakistani batsmen did not know what had hit them as they were bowled for 132 in the first innings, courtesy a three wicket haul by Boyd Rankin.

After the rain, Ireland was set a revised target of 128 in 47 overs. Pakistan knew that a loss would knock them out of the tournament so they seemed determined to come back in the game. Pakistani bowlers kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals, but an innings of 72 from Niall O'Brien ensured that Ireland registered the biggest victory till then in their history.