The Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off in Windhoek (26 Mar–5 Apr 2023) set the stage for unexpected heroes. In a fierce battle for just two spots in the final Qualifier, five surprise teams—USA, UAE, Namibia, Canada, and Jersey—emerged as standout contenders. Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023 tells the story of how these nations defied odds through smart strategies, clutch performances, and unwavering spirit.
5. Jersey

Why were they shockers?
Jersey’s mere presence was historic—they were playing their first-ever ODIs. The fact that they finished ahead of Papua New Guinea speaks volumes about their determination and fighting spirit.
Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023 – Key Storyline:
Rising stars like Harrison Carlyon and Nick Greenwood quickly made their mark, showing composure beyond their years. Their gritty win over PNG proved Jersey wasn’t just there for pride—they truly belonged on the big stage.
Match | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
JER | 5 | 1 | 4 | −0.828 | 2 |
4. Canada

Why surprising:
Canada, fresh from their promotion out of the Challenge League, were widely considered minnows. Yet, they defied expectations with a strong finish, proving they were ready for the big league.
Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023 – Key Storyline:
Srimantha Wijeyeratne led the charge with standout performances, while Canada’s batting unit displayed a new level of consistency. Their transformation from underdogs to serious contenders was driven by growing self-belief and form.
Match | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAN | 5 | 3 | 2 | −0.298 |
3. Namibia

Why unexpected:
As hosts and former League 2 powerhouses, Namibia were favorites to qualify. But playing at home brought added pressure, turning each match into a hard-fought contest. Their second-place finish was a triumph over inconsistent form.
Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023 – Key Storyline:
Gerhard Erasmus led by example—steady with the bat and sharp as captain—as Namibia lost just two games. Backed by passionate home fans and disciplined tactics, their campaign was a mix of heart and strategy.
Match | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAM | 5 | 3 | 2 | +0.593 | 6 |
2. United Arab Emirates

Why the upset:
After being relegated from League 2, the UAE faced questions about their competitiveness. But they answered in style, winning 3 of their 4 completed matches and restoring their credibility with conviction.
Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023 – Key Storyline:
Asif Khan brought the fireworks, carrying his blistering form—including the 4th-fastest ODI century in League 2—into Windhoek. Backed by a well-balanced bowling attack, the UAE combined flair with grit to stake their claim.
Match | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
UAE | 5 | 3 | 1 | +0.241 | 6 |
1. United States of America

Why unexpected:
After a rocky League 2 campaign, the United States entered Namibia under the radar. But with renewed focus and composure under pressure, they won 4 out of 5 ODIs—surprisingly topping the table.
Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023 – Key Storyline:
Monank Patel provided stability with the bat, while Saurabh Netravalkar spearheaded a tight, disciplined bowling unit. Their opening win over hosts Namibia set the tone, and consistent performances carried the USA all the way to the top.
Match | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
USA | 5 | 4 | 1 | +0.819 | 8 |
Conclusion
The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off 2023 wasn’t just a stepping stone—it was a celebration of underdog spirit. Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023—USA, UAE, Namibia, Canada, and Jersey—brought grit, passion, and unpredictability to the fore. With every run and wicket, they showed that in cricket, it’s not where you come from, but how fiercely you fight to rise.
Read More: Top 5 Spinners Who Dominated India vs England Tests
FAQ`s
Q1: Who are the Top 5 Underdog Teams That Qualified for the World Cup 2023?
A: The top five underdog teams are the USA, UAE, Namibia, Canada, and Jersey—nations that surpassed expectations during the 2023 Qualifier Play-off.
Q2: Why are these teams considered underdogs?
A: These teams are considered underdogs due to their lower rankings, limited resources, or lack of World Cup history compared to established cricketing nations.
Q3: What made Jersey’s performance historic?
A: Jersey played their first-ever ODIs in the tournament and still managed to outperform PNG, marking a remarkable debut at this level.