Zimbabwe Stun England in 1992 World Cup

In one of the biggest upset of the tournament, Zimbabwe pulled off a surprize victory against Cup favourites England. The victory doesn't had any effect on the team rankings but it was special for Zimbabwe as it came after losing 18 consecutive World Cup matches over a nine-year period.

18th March 1992 - Zimbabwe vs England, Albury 

Match Result - Zimbabwe Stun England by beating them by nine runs

Scorecard

Zimbabwe - 134/10 in 46.1 overs (Dave Hoghton - 29, IP Butchart - 24, Botham - 3/23, Illingworth - 3/33)

England - 125/10 in 49.1 overs (Stewart - 29, Fairbrother - 20, Brandes - 4/21, Omarshah - 2/17)

Man of the Match - Eddo Brandes

England won the toss and opted to field first against minnows Zimbabwe. ​Against world class bowling attack of England, Zimbabwe team managed to score just 134. Dave Houghton (29) was the top scorer for the team. ​

During the innings break, Houghton said to his team, "There are about 8000 people out here who still need some entertainment and the only way we can entertain is to make this game go as long as possible". 

The team responded to their captain; ​Eddo Brandes got English captain Graham Gooch on the first ball of the second innings to set the momentum. Brandes bowled the spell of lifetime and plucked 4 top order England's batsman. England were 43/5 but with Stewart and Fairbrother at the crease team is still in the game. The two added 52 runs from 24 overs and with just 41 runs needed, match was still in England's favour. Zimbabwe skipper Dave Hoghton gave the ball to Omarshah who immediatey delivered for the team by picking the most important wicket of Alec Stewart. The tail couldn't survived and lost the match by 9 runs.

"David was outstanding as captain that day," - A Traicos (Zimbabwe Team Player)

It was Zimbabwe's only victory in the 1992 World Cup and they had finished unexpectedly on a high note after much disappointment. 

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