1996
Nobody gave Sri Lanka a chance before the World Cup - they were 100-1 outsiders - but their fairytale victory was completed with a comprehensive defeat of Australia in the final in Lahore today. No true sporting underdog has ever won a major tournament with such relentless conviction. After demolishing England and India in the quarter- and semi-finals, Sri Lanka brushed Australia aside with ease. Aravinda de Silva made a wonderfully pure 107 not out, to add to three wickets, two catches, and one of the more inevitable Man-of-the-Match awards, and Arjuna Ranatunga glided the winning runs with 22 balls and seven wickets to spare.
2007
A St Patrick's Day miracle in Kingston. Ireland arrived in Jamaica for their first World Cup as makeweights, but they departed as heroes after ousting the former champions, Pakistan, at the first hurdle in a nerve-shredding contest at Sabina Park. Inspired by their 6'7" seamer Boyd Rankin, Ireland dismissed Pakistan for 132, but the drama had only just started. Rain breaks, umpiring howlers and an inspired Mohammad Sami threatened to ruin an increasingly raucous party, but Niall O'Brien anchored the chase with a nerveless 72. In another game, Bangladesh humbled neighbours India in Port of Spain, making it a glorious day for the underdogs.
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