Losses That Triggered World Cup Wins: The 2023 ODI World Cup kickstarted with New Zealand’s stunning win over defending champions, England. It was a statement-making win for the runners-up of the last edition. Nobody expected that the Kiwis would hand England such a trashing. England’s NRR too has taken a hit with just a single game into the tournament.
Such losses might deflate a team, especially at the start of their campaign. But at times such defeats could trigger a turnaround too. There have been many instances over the last few World Cups where a defeat triggered the championship run.
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We look at Losses That Triggered World Cup Wins:
#3 Australia vs Pakistan, 1999
They were yet to become a force in ODI cricket in 1999. Australia had missed out narrowly in the 1996 edition of the tournament. They walked into the tournament as a formidable contender if not outright favourites. After winning their opening game against Scotland, Australia suffered a stutter in their campaign. They lost to Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand. Australia lost their second consecutive game, this time against Pakistan. They had to stay unbeaten from thereon if they had to go the distance.
Australia managed to do just that winning 7 out of their remaining 8 games to win the World Cup. The loss to Pakistan not only triggered a World Cup win but also led to Australian supremacy. They won the next two World Cups without dropping a game.
#2 England vs Australia, 2019
The England team underwent a 360-degree transformation to achieve success in white-ball cricket after the debacle of the 2015 World Cup. Their batters played without inhibition taking the attack to the opposition. They were touted to be the favourites leading into the World Cup. England started off in some style brushing over South Africa. But a spirited Pakistan side defeated England. They got back to winning ways in the next couple of games but their campaign was at crossroads after losing two games in a row. Sri Lanka staged a thrilling upset to leave England in tatters.
Australia inflicted further damage posting a solid win over the home team. England had to win the rest of their games to make it to the semis. They got the better of both India and New Zealand in the league stage. England outclassed Australia in the semis and won the final on the boundary count rule!
#1 India vs South Africa, 2011
There were humungous expectations for India to win the World Cup at home. They had a fairly easy run until they met South Africa in their penultimate league game. India got the better of lesser-ranked teams like Bangladesh, Ireland, and Netherlands. They had to settle for a tied game against England. The South Africa game was their real challenge. India lost their last 9 wickets for 29 runs to squander a winning opportunity.
South Africa won the game in the last over. This defeat hurt Indian captain, MS Dhoni who publicly called out his batters for their approach. India had to win against West Indies to confirm their berth in the quarters. They defeated them convincingly. India had to beat past World Cup champions to emerge victorious. The Indian team peaked at the right time to win the World Cup after 28 long years!
