The year 2023 in cricket seems to be a year of surprises and unexpected victories. As the divide between teams narrows with each passing day, the growth and global appeal of cricket flourishes like never before. This article delves into three of the most astonishing wins across formats that have taken the cricketing world by storm, defying predictions and eliciting delight among fans worldwide.

#3 Netherlands' Sensational Victory: Stuns West Indies in ICC World Cup Qualifier

One of the most shocking moments during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023 in Zimbabwe was the Netherlands' triumph over a formidable West Indies team. This victory earned them a spot in the main event in India later that year. The match showcased an exhilarating contest between the underdogs and the favorites, where the Netherlands' players not only matched the prowess of their West Indian counterparts but also emerged victorious. 

Despite the West Indies setting an imposing total of 374/6, thanks to a breathtaking century from Nicholas Pooran and spirited performances by Keemo Paul and Shai Hope, the Dutch refused to back down. In a display of courage and determination, the Netherlands' batsmen, spearheaded by Teja Nidamanuru's memorable century, kept pace with the daunting target. Ultimately, it was Logan van Beek's heroic innings of 28 runs off 14 balls in the final stages that tied the game. In the nerve-wracking Super Over, van Beek's blistering 30 runs off Jason Holder proved insurmountable for the West Indies, putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

#2 Afghanistan's Dominance: Overpowers Bangladesh at Their Fortress

Bangladesh, renowned for their home dominance in ODIs, faced a terrific challenge when Afghanistan visited their shores. Underestimating the Afghan side proved to be a costly mistake for Bangladesh, as they were comprehensively outplayed in the series. In the second ODI, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran displayed spectacular centuries, propelling their team to an imposing total of 331/9. Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mehidy Hasan Miraj, managed to stage a comeback, restricting the Afghan onslaught.

Nonetheless, Afghanistan's formidable trio of Fazalhaq Faaroqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Rashid Khan proved too much to handle for the Bangladeshi batsmen. Apart from Mushfiqur Rahim's resilient 69-run knock, the rest of the batting lineup faltered, and Bangladesh fell well short of the target, conceding the series. With this emphatic victory following their first ODI win, Afghanistan established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket, signaling their potential to become a significant threat in the near future.

#1 Afghanistan's Thrilling Triumph: Stuns Pakistan in a T20 Clash in the UAE

The cricketing rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan has always been a captivating affair, evoking immense excitement not just among the players but also among passionate fans. In a T20 series encounter held in the UAE, once Pakistan's home ground, the battle between these two teams intensified. After a close encounter resulted in Afghanistan's victory in the first match on a sluggish Sharjah pitch, Pakistan chose to set a target in the second game. However, their decision seemed questionable when they found themselves struggling at 63/5 in the 11th over, courtesy of a brilliant display of new-ball bowling by Fazalhaq Faaroqi.

Undeterred, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan launched a fightback, enabling Pakistan to reach a modest total of 130. Afghanistan approached the chase with a calculated strategy, emphasizing strike rotation while occasionally dispatching the boundary balls. Their plan paid off handsomely as Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi anchored the innings, guiding Afghanistan to a memorable victory.

These triumphant moments highlight the unpredictability and excitement that cricket has to offer, exemplifying the emergence of underdog teams challenging the status quo and elevating the sport to new heights.