2022 in Review: March
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By Aiden McLaughlin
The Women’s Cricket World Cup, originally scheduled for February and March 2021, begins as the White Ferns face the West Indies in the opening match at Bay Oval. It’s a frustrating start for the hosts as they are bowled out for 256 with one ball remaining, chasing 259. They get back on track with convincing victories over Bangladesh and India before defeats to Australia and South Africa raise the stakes for their Eden Park clash against England. Unable to bat out the 50 overs, New Zealand are dismissed for 203. At 187-6, England are looking comfortable, before three quick wickets make it a nervous end, although they ultimately secure the victory by one wicket. Despite a convincing win over Pakistan in their last round robin match, the White Ferns fail to make the semi-finals. Australia beat the West Indies and England defeat South Africa to set up a final at Hagley Oval.
The Winter Paralympics start in Beijing. New Zealand sends a team of three, taking home four medals, all in para-alpine skiing. Corey Peters wins a gold in Downhill Sitting and a silver in Super-G sitting. Adam Hall wins two bronzes in Super Combined Standing and Slalom Standing.
The inaugural season of Super Rugby Aupiki gets underway. Originally set to be a round robin format between the four teams, followed by a final, all the squads were hit by Covid-19 meaning that the final was scrapped, and Chiefs Manawa were crowned as the inaugural champions after defeating the Blues Women 35–0 in the final round of the competition.
18 months out from their home World Cup, France beat England 25-13 in Paris to win the Six Nations Championship, their first since 2010. With five wins from five, it’s also their first Grand Slam for 12 years. Ireland finish second, securing their first Triple Crown since 2018.
Paul Coll reaches number one in the men’s squash world rankings, surpassing Ross Norman as the highest-ranked male squash player ever from New Zealand.
Barely two months after winning her third Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, Ash Barty retires from tennis.
The NRL season starts as defending champions Penrith beat Manly 28-6.
The 2022 Formula 1 season kicks off in Bahrain, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc taking victory, as 2021 champion Max Verstappen fails to finish the race.
Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron announce that the 37th America’s Cup will be held in Barcelona in September and October 2024.
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