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Sports Yearender 2022: Virat Kohli back among runs, Lionel Messi gets his World Cup dream, Federer retires

Here are some of the best sports moments of 2022 which made millions of sports fans emotional, cheerful and what not.

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Sports Yearender 2022: Virat Kohli back among runs, Lionel Messi gets his World Cup dream, Federer retires

By Sakshi Verma

2022 is almost in its final week, with the return of Covid, Bollywood’s failing to big sports events, the year was memorable in many ways. There were several big tournaments apart from the annual IPL, the Asia Cup, the Commonwealth Games, the T20 World Cup and the Football World Cup which kept fans on their toes. And chewing their nails.

Here are some of the best sports moments of 2022 which made millions of sports fans emotional, cheerful and what not.

Cricket is religion in India, so let’s deal with it first. There was everything for Team India to achieve and prove this year but the Indian team broke the hearts of fans in big tournaments. First, the Asia Cup loss to Sri Lanka gave a sad trailer and then the humiliating defeat in the T20 World Cup semi-finals was a film no one would want to buy tickets for. The cherry on the cake was the Indian women’s cricket team’s silly loss in women cricket’s debut finals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Kohli’s Virat form and Surya’s shining moments

Yes, it is true that this year has not been a memorable one for Indian cricket and their fans but Team India’s star batsman Virat Kohli and rising star Suryakumar Yadav impressed with their batting brilliance and consistency.

How can one forget that heart-stopping India-Pakistan match in T20 World Cup 2022 when Virat Kohli snatched the game from Pakistan’s clutches with his powerhouse innings. His two back-to-back sixes against Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has become immortal in the hearts of Indian fans.

Virat Kohli has been ruling the world of cricket for the last decade, but in a true sense, Indian fans got maximum joy this year from middle order batsman Suryakumar Yadav. Surya impressed everyone with his fearless approach and ability to play shots all around the ground. SKY, who took the entire year by storm, proved that after Dhoni, Virat and Rohit, there is another batsman on whom Indian fans can put their trust on. 

Now that cricket’s done, let’s have a look at other big sports.

Messi’s dream comes true, heartbreak for Ronaldo and Neymar

The FIFA World Cup 2022 held in Qatar saw many beautiful moments. What’s football if it isn’t emotional leaving fans all over the world in varying moods. The dream of every star player is to win the World Cup. Argentina legend Lionel Messi got his beautiful moment, but Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream remained unfulfilled this time too as Morocco blanked out his team in the quarterfinals.

The condition of Brazilian star Neymar Jr was similar when his team was eliminated in the quarter-finals. Neymar burst into tears though he hasn’t ever held back the tear glands. Every tear from his eyes screamed out how much winning the World Cup meant to him.

World witnessed Federer, Nadal, crying their heart out

Sport teaches everything as it lets you experience victory, defeat, discipline, patience, hard work and several other facets of life. In 2020, there were some moments when players were unable to hide their emotions behind their steel facade and left their fans emotional too.

Remember the last match of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal when both started crying inconsolably after the match. In September 2022, Federer announced that he will play his last professional match in the Laver Cup. Nadal was his partner in Federer’s last match. Destiny left its mark on the match when it didn’t let these top-ranked stars playing together win.

After the match, Federer cried like a child. Seeing tears in his partner’s eyes, Nadal could not help it and he too became emotional. Whoever saw this moment must have had moist eyes as well.

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From basketball gold to cricket stardom: Pratika Rawal’s journey with 92.5% in CBSE to India’s ODI debut

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Pratika Rawal during her cricket training session

In a remarkable journey that intertwines academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cricketing brilliance, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s promising opening batter. At just 24 years old, Pratika’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and dedication.

A graduate in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, Pratika secured an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. Her achievements, however, are not limited to academics. A gold medalist in basketball at the 64th School National Games in 2019, she has also displayed her talent across multiple sports disciplines.

Pratika’s passion for cricket took root early in life. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), nurtured her budding interest in the sport. At the age of 10, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, training under the legendary coach Sharvan Kumar. Despite being the academy’s first female trainee, Pratika’s enthusiasm and determination quickly earned her respect.

“She was a natural talent, but I always pushed her to work harder,” Sharvan recalls. “Her progress over the years has been phenomenal, and watching her don the Indian jersey is a proud moment for all of us.”

Pratika balanced cricket with her studies, excelling in both fields. She transitioned from Bal Bharati School to Modern School, Barakhamba Road, on the strength of her cricketing talent. The shift proved pivotal as it provided her access to better facilities and opportunities.

By 2021, Pratika had made headlines with a stunning 161-run knock for Delhi in her debut domestic season. Over the next two years, she amassed over 950 List A runs, cementing her reputation as a formidable batter. Her ability to adapt and refine her technique under coaches like Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik played a crucial role in her development.

“Initially, Pratika’s game was heavily leg-side dominant,” Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, explained. “We worked on her grip and balance, unlocking her potential to score freely on the off-side. This transformation made her a more versatile batter.”

Her adaptability extended to leadership roles, where she captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year. As she continues to shine in domestic cricket, her performances in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy have further solidified her place in the national setup.

Off the field, Pratika’s grounded demeanor endears her to peers and coaches alike. “She’s always been a team player, putting collective goals above personal milestones,” said Dhyani, who has closely mentored her through challenging phases in her career.

Now donning the national colors, Pratika’s ODI debut against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium marked a new chapter in her journey. For her father, who witnessed the match in Vadodara, and coach Sharvan Kumar, the moment was deeply emotional—a culmination of years of unwavering belief and hard work.

Pratika’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she embarks on her international career, her blend of academic rigor, sporting versatility, and cricketing skill sets her apart as a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.

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India women vs West Indies women 2nd ODI: Harleen Deol’s century, Jemimah Rodrigues’ fifty take India past 300

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harleen deol raises her bat in celebration after scoring her maiden century against west indies women

In the ongoing second ODI between India Women and West Indies Women at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, India have put up a solid performance, reaching 358/5 in 50 overs. Harleen Deol is in impressive form, standing strong at century, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributes with half century as they continue to build on their momentum after India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bat first after winning the toss.

India had earlier dominated the first match of the series with a commanding 211-run victory, marking their second-largest win in women’s ODIs. The West Indies team is looking to bounce back from that crushing defeat, which was their heaviest in terms of runs in ODI history.

India has remained unchanged from the first ODI, with Pratika Rawal, who was part of the record-setting 211-run win, getting another chance to impress at the top of the order. The West Indies, aiming to level the series, have handed a debut to Nerissa Crafton, the 26-year-old middle-order batter, in place of Shabika Gajnabi. Crafton’s inclusion also adds an additional bowling option for the visitors after they struggled to control the Indian batters in the previous match, conceding 160 runs off the last 20 overs.

India’s lineup includes Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, and Renuka Singh. The West Indies squad consists of Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Rashada Williams, Zaida James, Nerissa Crafton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack.

The match is still in progress as India looks to build on their strong position.

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Sutherland’s masterful century guides Australia to victory in rain-affected ODI

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Annabel Sutherland raising her bat after scoring a century in the second ODI against New Zealand

Australia 291/7 (Sutherland 105, McGrath 34, Penfold 4-42, Carson 2-65) defeated New Zealand 122/5 (Kerr 38, James 27, Garth 2-17) by 65 runs (via DLS)*

Australia secured a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve, with Annabel Sutherland once again taking center stage with an unbeaten 105. The rain-hit match, which saw Australia post 291 for 7, was halted after 31 overs with New Zealand on 122 for 5, ensuring Australia’s 14th consecutive win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The contest began with anticipation surrounding Alyssa Healy’s return to the international fold after a lengthy injury layoff. Healy, playing as a specialist batter, contributed a steady 34 off 32 balls, providing solid support at the top of the order. However, it was Sutherland’s explosive innings that truly dominated the day.

Sutherland, who had recently made an impressive 110 against India in Perth, showed her prowess in tough batting conditions. She became the first player to hit back-to-back ODI centuries from the No.5 position, guiding Australia to a challenging total. With the ball swinging in the seaming conditions, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain her. Sutherland launched two sixes in the final overs and reached her century off just 78 balls, sealing her third ODI ton with a boundary.

After a rain delay disrupted play, New Zealand found themselves needing to chase a steep target, and the early loss of key wickets left them in a difficult position. Debutant Bella James was aggressive early on, pulling Megan Schutt for a six, but her knock ended at 27 when she was caught off Kim Garth. Suzie Bates, who had presented James with her debut cap, was dismissed cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 60 for 3.

Captain Sophie Devine’s departure after edging Ellyse Perry further put New Zealand on the back foot, and although Jess Kerr and Frankie MacDonald showed resilience, the required run rate was steadily climbing. New Zealand’s hopes were dashed as the heavens opened up, signaling the end of the match with them still well short of the target.

The rain-shortened match reflected not just Australia’s superiority with the bat, but also the challenges New Zealand faced in the field. Notably, debutant James had a tough outing, dropping three catches, including one when Sutherland was on 26. Despite a spirited 4-46 from Molly Penfold, New Zealand’s fielding lapses proved costly.

For Australia, the win was a continuation of their dominant form after their 3-0 whitewash against India. New Zealand’s defeat has complicated their path to directly qualifying for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, with the team sitting precariously in sixth position on the Women’s Championship standings.

The match marked a significant milestone for Healy, who made her return after a lengthy injury layoff. Although her knock was brief, it was a welcome sight for Australia’s leadership. She has been working hard in the nets to regain form, and her boundary off Rosemary Mair’s second ball was a signal of her readiness for the challenges ahead.

The ODI series will now shift focus to the third and final match, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory as the Women’s Championship points race continues.

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