Year Ender 2022: The year of upsets! The most shocking results in cricket and football

Calling 2022 a year of upsets won't be wrong. Be it cricket or football, many results left the fans shocked. Here are some of those exciting matches which proved that games are not won on paper but on the field.

IRELAND vs ENGLAND

The T20 World Cup had just begun and two-time world champions West Indies were out even before making it to the main draw. After that, ODI world champions England faced a stiff challenge from Ireland in a Super 12 match. Chasing a target of 158, the Three Lions needed 53 off the last 27 balls. However, the rain gods had other plans. It came down heavily as England fell short by 5 runs on the DLS method. It was a huge upset considering Jos Buttler's men later won the T20 World Cup.

PAKISTAN vs ZIMBABWE

Pakistan was another side which was stunned by a below-ranked Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup 2022. Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe scored a mere 130/8. Chasing which, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals and despite Shan Masood's 44 runs off 38 balls, Pakistan failed to score three runs off the last ball of the match.

SOUTH AFRICA vs NETHERLANDS

Tagged as one of the favourites to win the T20 World Cup, South Africa, were shone the door after falling to a shocking 13-run loss vs the Netherlands. The Dutch finished at 158/4 and restricted the Proteas at 145 in reply. While it was South Africa's biggest defeat in recent times, it was the Netherlands' first win against the Proteas in any format.

SAUDI ARABIA vs ARGENTINA

Saudi Arabia shocked everyone by defeating one of the strongest contenders Argentina 2-1 to open this year's FIFA World Cup and caused perhaps the biggest upset in the history of the tournament. With that defeat, Saudi Arabia broke the streak of not losing to Argentina in 36 consecutive matches. It was Saudi Arabia's first and biggest win in FIFA World Cup history.

JAPAN vs GERMANY

The second big upset of Qatar World Cup 2022 happened when Japan defeated 4-time world champions Germany in a Group E match. Thanks to a penalty, Germany took the lead at the beginning of the first half itself. However, Japan dominated in the second half and scored two goals to secure a historic victory.

MOROCCO vs PORTUGAL

Morocco pulled off several upsets at this year's FIFA World Cup. After defeating Belgium 2-0, Morocco shattered their title hopes by defeating a formidable Ronaldo-led Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals. With that victory, Morocco entered the semi-finals for the first time.