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Supplement compiled by Mehluli Sibanda
BULAWAYO is ready to host 11 International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup Qualifier matches when the tournament gets underway today.
The country’s second largest city is the setting for 10 group stage matches and one Super Six fixture. Queens Sports and Bulawayo Athletic Club are the venues for five group matches each with the latter hosting one Super Six stage fixture on 15 March. Zimbabwe, Nepal, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Scotland are the teams playing their group matches in Bulawayo.
A lot of hard work has been put into making sure that the facilities in the city are ready for the start of the tournament. While Queens and BAC are for playing purpose, the Old Mutual Heath Streak Academy is a training venue.
The Bulawayo Junior Council together with the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association on 17 February conducted a clean up outside the three grounds to ensure that when the visitors arrive, they find a dirt free city. Even the city’s mayor Martin Moyo took time out to be part of the clean up exercise.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association chairman Vumindaba Moyo expressed his satisfaction with the amount of organisation that had been done by the city’s Local Organising Committee which worked tirelessly in making sure that all was in place before the arrival of the teams for the smooth running of the tournament in the city. Entry into all the group matches is free which means Bulawayo fans will only be required to pay for just one match at Queens Sports Club on 15 March. Bulawayo cricket supporters are well known for being passionate in their support of the national team. The likes of Scotland and Afghanistan might also find themselves good support during the matches they will play in the city. — @Mdawini_29
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter