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OVER the years, Bulawayo cricket lovers have been denied an opportunity to watch the Zimbabwe national team in action with most of the matches being played in Harare.
It must have come as great news when the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup Qualifier fixtures were announced with Zimbabwe playing their group matches in Bulawayo. The Chevrons were drawn to face Nepal,
Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Scotland. What delighted the fans even more is that entry into the group matches was free. There was no excuse for the fans not coming out in their numbers.
Even celebrated local footballers that included FC Platinum duo of Winston Mhango and Rahman Kutsanzira, Highlandersa�� Peter Mudhuwa, Tendai Ndlovu, Bukhosi Ncube, Godfrey Makaruse and goalkeeper Prosper Matutu among others could not resist being part of the crowd that enjoyed the Chevrons rhythm, backing the Graeme Cremer-led team in their Group B matches.
At the end of the matches, ICC officials reportedly wondered where the people had come from since the Zimbabwean matches they have watched on television have been poorly attended.
Zimbabweans came out again in their huge numbers when the Chevrons faced off against a team that has given them a torrid time, Afghanistan. The Chevrons looked to have thrown it away when they were bowled out for 196 in 43 overs. Afghanistan, beaten by seven wickets by Scotland appeared to be on their way to their first win of the tournament. That was before Zimbabwe turned things around.
Lanky pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani picked up a career a�� best four wickets for 47 while off spinner Sikandar Raza was second best with three for 40 as Afghanistan lost their last four wickets for just 38 runs.
Left arm seamer Brian Vitori was tasked with bowling the last over from which Afghanistan required four runs.
Vitori picked up the last wicket of Shapoor Zadran with the third delivery of the over. Fans could not contain their joy some rushed onto the field of play to congratulate their heroes. The crowd was cleared within seconds from the field of play.
Such a reaction had ICC officials further worried about Zimbabwea��s match against Scotland which was meant to be played at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC).
After the necessary consultations, ICC announced that the blockbuster fixture between the teams fighting to top the group had been shifted to a much bigger Queens Sports Club.
Having it at BAC would have meant that some fans had to be locked out of the small venue which cannot accommodate the thousands of fans that were expected.
And in came Zimbabweans at Queens Sports Club in their numbers to watch a match that the Chevrons tied with highly fancied Scotland. The former pulled off a great escape to draw their final Group B tie against the latter on Monday.
The contest went to the wire, with Scotland needing two runs to win in the last over with no wicket in hand. Lanky pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani bowled a wide, which tied the scores, then he had Brad Wheal caught behind by Brendan Taylor with his next delivery.
So breathtaking was the Chevrons performance and in the process theA� Bulawayo cricket fans have sent a strong message to the Zimbabwe Cricket leadership that they love their national team and the Chevrons should play more international matches in the city.
Sadly, the team will play the remaining matches in the tournament in Harare. Whatever transpires in Zimbabwea��s outstanding fixtures, the Bulawayo fans will be satisfied that they played their part in inspiring the players in their quest to make it to next yeara��s Cricket World Cup in England. . . .
Online Reporter