Trails of disbelief, reveals of new forces and giants tumbling
Cricket is a sport of glorious unpredictability. One moment you’re in control, the next the ball swings, the bat gives a mis-sound, and the scoreboard says something you never expected. In 2024–25 especially, we’ve seen shocking episodes that have left cricket-fans everywhere stunned. Whether in Tests or white-ball formats, big teams have lost when nobody thought they would. In this article we’ll walk through five of the most startling shocks in world cricket at the moment, explain what happened, why it matters, and what it tells us about the new shape of the game.
1. Bangladesh national cricket team beat Pakistan national cricket team 2-0 in Pakistan (Test series)
What happened
In August–September 2024, Bangladesh made history by winning a Test series on Pakistani soil for the first time. They swept Pakistan 2-0 in Rawalpindi. Al Jazeera+2EWN+2
- In the 1st Test: Pakistan declared at 448/6, Bangladesh replied 565, then bowled Pakistan out for 146 and won by 10 wickets. NDTV Sports+2ESPN.com+2
- In the 2nd Test: Chasing 185, Bangladesh reached the target with six wickets in hand. Al Jazeera+1
Why this is a big shock
- Pakistan are one of the “full-member” top cricket nations, and winning a home series is something they expect.
- Bangladesh had never won a Test series in Pakistan before.
- The manner: it was a clean sweep (2-0) on foreign soil against a major team.
- It shakes assumptions about hierarchy in Test cricket.
What to learn from it
- Momentum matters: Bangladesh’s batters and bowlers maintained pressure.
- Domestic growth pays off: Bangladesh have been improving steadily.
- Conditions don’t guarantee wins: Pakistan’s home advantage did not translate.
- Confidence gap narrows: once “smaller” teams believe, big wins happen.
2. New Zealand national cricket team white-wash India national cricket team 3-0 in India (Test series)
What happened
In late 2024, New Zealand achieved a stunning clean sweep of India in a three-match Test series played in India. They won the series 3-0. Gulf News+2ABC+2
Key facts:
- India were on an 18-series unbeaten home run in Tests. India Today+1
- New Zealand had not won a Test series in India before; their last Test win in India was decades ago. News.com.au
- In the third Test, India were bowled out for 121 in pursuit of 147. Gulf News
Why this is a huge shock
- India at home are almost untouchable in Tests; losing every match in a home series of three or more is unprecedented.
- New Zealand, often considered a strong side, still were not expected to dominate in India like this.
- It suggests something changed in India’s grip over home conditions.
Why it matters
- The “giant home fortress” image of India has cracks.
- The balance of power in Test cricket may be shifting: visiting sides winning more frequently.
- Indian selectors, management and fans will feel this deeply; ramifications for future series are real.
3. Afghanistan national cricket team beat South Africa national cricket team in a bilateral ODI series (in UAE)
What happened
Afghanistan secured a landmark series victory over South Africa in the United Arab Emirates. They beat South Africa (who were a top 5 ICC ranked team) in two early matches of the series. The News Mill
Why this is shocking
- South Africa are among the elite full-member nations; losing a series to Afghanistan signals a major upset.
- Afghanistan has been rising, but beating a big team away (sort of neutral venue but the opponent is strong) shows a leap.
- It sets a new tone: emerging teams are not just up-and-coming; they are beating the very best.
Implications
- Full-members can no longer afford to take “we’ll win” for granted even against “smaller” nations.
- For Afghanistan: belief curve skyrockets; this will encourage more such performances.
- For global cricket: more unpredictability = more interest, but also more challenge for traditional powers.
4. United States national cricket team beat Pakistan in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (Group stage)
What happened
At the T20 World Cup in 2024, the United States defeated Pakistan in dramatic fashion (via super-over) to cause what many call one of the biggest upsets in T20 history. Talksport+1
Why it shocked the world
- The USA are a relative newcomer in international cricket; Pakistan are a cricket behemoth with a long history.
- For the USA to beat Pakistan in a big tournament, under pressure and in a super-over, is extraordinary.
- It shocks the conventional hierarchy: associate/ newer teams versus full members, and the full members failing when they should win.
Bigger view
- T20 format is allowing more surprises: shorter games = less margin for error = more upsets.
- Cricket’s globalisation: more teams like USA will break through, making the landscape more open.
- Full-member teams must guard against complacency and remember the “why are we losing?” question.
5. The broader shock: Traditional powerhouses are losing home advantage, mid-tier teams are rising fast
What’s going on
Beyond the specific matches above, there is a pattern:
- Home edges are eroding: Indian home fortress broken, Pakistan humbled at home, etc.
- Emerging teams are winning more: Bangladesh, Afghanistan, USA are not just competing—they’re winning big games.
- Test, ODI and T20 formats all seeing surprises: not just one format.
- The gap between “expected winners” and “possible winners” is shrinking.
Why it matters
- For fans: more drama, more unpredictability → good entertainment.
- For teams: you can’t rest on reputation; you must prepare for every opponent.
- For cricket boards: investment in “smaller” nations pays off; schedule more competitive matches.
- For the future: the world cricket map is changing.
Example table: Before vs Now
| Situation | Traditional era | Now (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
| Home series dominance | Full-member team rarely lost at home | Many home defeats / sweeps (e.g., India by NZ) |
| Smaller team wins | Rare and isolated | More frequent, structured (e.g., Bangladesh, Afghanistan) |
| Predictability | Big teams beat small teams regularly | Upsets becoming common |
| Format-specific surprises | Mostly in T20s | Across Test, ODI, T20 |
Why You Should Care
- If you’re a fan: expect more “shock wins” and less certainty; that makes the game exciting.
- If you’re a cricketer: never underestimate any opponent; any team can beat any team.
- If you’re from a “smaller” nation: this is your time; it shows you can break through.
- If you follow cricket business/media: these surprises generate stories, viewership and interest in new markets.
What to Watch Next
Here are a few pointers for upcoming shocks and how to spot them:
- Underdog tours to full-member nations: Tours where “smaller” teams play on big teams’ home grounds.
- Full-member teams with transition phases (e.g., youth in, veterans out) are vulnerable.
- Formats that have shorter games (T20/ODI) often yield more surprises—but even Tests now are seeing them.
- Emerging nations showing steadier performance (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh).
- Complacency and assumption of victory: when big teams assume they’ll win, their preparation may slip—this is a red flag.
Conclusion
World cricket right now is going through a seismic shift. The five big shocks we covered — Bangladesh beating Pakistan in Pakistan, New Zealand sweeping India in India, Afghanistan downing South Africa, USA upsetting Pakistan in a T20 World Cup, and the broader trend of power shifts — all point to a new age of unpredictability.
For fans and followers, that means we should expect the unexpected. For the traditional powers, it’s a reminder that reputation isn’t enough. Preparation, mindset and respect for every opponent matter more than ever.
Cricket is changing — and the shocks are a thrilling sign of its evolution. Keep an eye on the next upset, because one we take for granted may just be next.
