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Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE national cricket coach Dave Houghton believes the Chevrons are ready to challenge for honours in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier that begins in Harare and Bulawayo this weekend.
The Chevrons, who are looking to bounce back to the finals of the quadrennial tournament for the first time since 2015, are set for a practice game against minnows Oman at Takashinga Sports Club today.
They had their final training camp in Kwekwe last week and also had a team bonding session at Antelope Park in Gweru.
Houghton, who successfully led the team to the ICC T20 World Cup finals last year after triumphing in another qualifier held at home, is confident Zimbabwe will pull through to the finals of the 50-over World Cup.
“The facilities in Kwekwe were amazing,” he said yesterday.
“Obviously we stayed a night at Antelope Park, which gave us quite a nice time of bonding and unity — not something which we needed trio do because we were pretty well-bonded already.
“But to have that time away, uninterrupted; Kwekwe Sports Club gave us a couple of centre wickets and as many net bowlers as we needed. It was truly a good week’s work.
“As you might know, in April we undertook a six-week fitness camp so I am pleased to say that going into this tournament, not only have I got the full strength side for the first time in my year’s tenure but everybody is looking fit, lean and really looking to go.
“Obviously the advantage is not so much the facilities and the wicket, et-cetera because it’s really a good wicket and a quick outfield.
“The advantage of working at home is the wonderful crowd. You know we have got big support, a lot of people cheering and shouting for us, which definitely adds a little bit in terms of your ability in the field, you have got that extra push from the crowds. I am hoping that they will do that for us this time and then there is the benefit of being at home,” said Houghton
The Chevrons have another practice game against Scotland at Old Hararians on Thursday. The 10-team tournament is set to be officially launched at the end of this week.
Zimbabwe, the West Indies, the Netherlands, Nepal and the United States make up Group A, while Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman and the United Arab Emirates form Group B.
The top three from each group will progress to the Super Six stage where they will play the sides they did not meet in the group stage.
All points won in the group stage will be carried over to the Super Six stage apart from those gained against the teams that fail to make it to the Super Six stage. The finalists will both progress to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Queen’s Sports Club and Bulawayo Athletic Club in Bulawayo, Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare will share 34 matches between them, with Harare Sports Club staging the final on July 9. Old Hararians Cricket Club will also host warm-up fixtures.
Hosts Zimbabwe get the ball running against Nepal this Sunday, before entertaining the Netherlands at the same venue two days later. They will then play two-time former champions West Indies and then round off with USA.
ZC have since announced that match tickets are now on sale to the public. Charges have been pegged between US$2 and US$10 to enjoy in person the four group matches involving Zimbabwe as well as all the Super Six fixtures and the final.
Spectators will be able to watch for free all the other group matches not involving the hosts.
Charles Duri
Online Reporter