Excitement is building for the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand as the country is decked up to host the best teams of women’s cricket for the coveted title.
To keep the cricket spirit high, Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga which is one of the 6 venues that host the big tournament, saw an annual Rainbow Festival being organized by The Northern District Cricket Association.
The special event saw 40 primary school girls from around the region take part in three games of modified cricket, the number though was less than the previous years due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In addition to the games, the festival also saw a ‘cricket world cup-themed carnival’ to celebrate the 2022 world cup as reported by nzherald.co.nz.
The report also shared the statement made by Nelita Byrne, manager of Tauranga City Council venues and events who said,
“The festival provided a chance to inspire a future generation of female cricket players”
“Hosting multiple events in the competition would be “a once in a lifetime chance” to showcase the city to the world and grow Tauranga’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s premiere event-friendly destinations”, she added.
The cricket development manager of Northern District Cricket Association, Scott Steward also expressed his views saying that the focus of the festival this week was to have a fun cricket experience with friends.
“The event was a roaring success; the girls thoroughly enjoyed the day in the sun, playing and laughing with their friends. The addition of a lunchtime carnival was a huge hit,” he said.
Tauranga is the venue for the World Cup opening ceremony as well as for the opening match on March 4 between New Zealand and West Indies. It will host a total of 7 matches including the match between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan.
World Cup Fixtures at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
| Date | Match |
| 4-03-22 | New Zealand v West Indies |
| 6-03-22 | India v Pakistan |
| 8-03-22 | Australia v Pakistan |
| 11-03-22 | Pakistan v South Africa |
| 14-03-22 | England v South Africa |
| 16-03-22 | England v India |
| 18-03-22 | Bangladesh v West Indies |
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