What a year it has been in 2022! There was a lot to enjoy, treasure, and even celebrate, but there were also some of the most difficult times ahead of us. There have been sporting events that have made headlines, some for the right reasons and others for other reasons.
5) T20 Cricket World Cup:
At the MCG, India prevailed over Pakistan in a last-over thriller. There is no cricket match more potent than an India-Pakistan match. Probably a small number. For the third time this year, two world-class cricket teams collided during their World T20 opener in October at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The Men in Blue were excited for a challenge on a larger stage, even though Pakistan has the upper hand going into this match due to their victory over India in their previous meeting (at the Asia Cup in Dubai).
Pakistan’s first batsmen were unable to establish themselves and lost early wickets during the Powerplay. Even though Iftikhar Ahmed hit a fifty in a later counterattacking knock, he didn’t get much support from the opposing team; Consequently, Pakistan’s team was only able to manage 159-8.
The drama all started with the chase. Except for Virat Kohli, who appeared a little content, the Indian top-order, just like Pakistan, was unable to make an impression. India came under increasing pressure after losing four wickets in just seven overs. After that, Virat and Hardik Pandya began to form a partnership.
India remained in the game thanks to Virat’s incredible six-pointers against Shaheen and even Haris as he settled into his rhythm. The drama reached its peak during the final over. On the final ball of an over that had almost everything, Ravi Ashwin and Kohli helped India win the game. Virat Kohli was named Man of the Match for his amazing 82* off 53 balls.
4) Cricket:
The Australian women’s team wins their first Commonwealth gold medal in the T20 format Cricket was once a part of the Commonwealth Games, but it was eventually dropped. Now that the fast-paced T20 format has been introduced, the decision-makers may have been tempted to reinstate this game in the Games.
Eventually, this happened, and for the first time, women’s T20 cricket was played. India and Pakistan were placed together among the eight teams that were divided into two groups.
After a lot of hard work in the group games and knockouts, it all came down to the first final of the Commonwealth Games, where India and Australia, two women’s cricket powerhouses, faced off. After batting first, Australia scored 161 runs, with opener Beth Mooney scoring 61 runs. Renuka Singh and Sneh Rana each took two wickets for the Indian eves.
India’s pursuit appeared relaxed; Even at one point, within 15 overs, their scorecard read 118-2. However, wickets began to fall quickly, and the tide turned. The Indian women’s team lost the match by nine runs after losing the remaining wickets within 34 runs. The Australian women’s team won their first gold medal despite finishing second.
3) Indian newcomer Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Diamond League after winning his first Olympic gold medal in the javelin throw event at the Tokyo Games in 2020. In 2022, he also made history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Diamond League.
Neeraj, who has surpassed Usain Bolt as the athlete who has received the most media attention in 2022, won the gold medal on his second attempt with a throw of 88.44 meters. Neeraj, on the other hand, had a poor start to the finals because his first throw was deemed a foul.
2) Most hearts were broken when tennis legend Roger Federer announced his retirement from all of the events listed.
Roger Federer, a great tennis player from Switzerland, announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022. On September 15th, the 20-time Grand Slam champion made it clear to everyone about his decision in a note on his social media accounts.
The 41-year-old wrote, “My final ATP event will be the Laver Cup next week in London.” in that note. Of course, I will play more tennis in the future, but not on the tour or at Grand Slams.
Federer retired for the same reason: he had been dealing with a knee injury for a long time. The six-time ATP Masters champion hasn’t played since Wimbledon 2021, when he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals.
1) Argentina defeats France 4-2 on penalties to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years under Lionel Messi’s leadership
In what is regarded as the greatest World Cup final ever, Argentina defeated France 4-2 to win the coveted trophy. With this victory, Messi has established himself as the GOAT. He was named the tournament’s best player for his seven goals and three assists. Messi won the Golden Ball for the second time in his career, having previously won it in 2014.
At the beginning of the final at Lusail Stadium, Argentina was all over France. Argentina’s pressing was outstanding as well as their attacking style of play. Lionel Messi converted a penalty kick into the game’s opening goal, setting up Di Maria’s assist, and then scored the game’s second goal in the 36th minute. It appeared as though Argentina would win the game at halftime, with a score of 2-0.
France started playing with more aggression in the second half. When France won a penalty in the 80th minute, Kylian Mbappe converted it into the first goal for his team. He added another one shortly thereafter, leveling the score at 2-2.
The penalty shootout was the decisive moment. All of Argentina’s shots were converted, but two French players missed their chances. After 36 years, Argentina finally won the world championship.