tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
Bangladesh star wicketkeeper/batter Mushfiqur Rahim finds himself in a very peculiar position.
After having engaged in countless battles against Zimbabwe with his native country, the 36-year-old is set to cross the great divide and find himself cheered rather than jeered when he walks onto the park on Friday.
His Johannesburg Buffaloes take on the Bulawayo Braves.
The clash, which will take place at Harare Sports Club at 5pm, is set to be the third match of the Zim Afro T10 tournament.
Rahim was one of the late arrivals for the historic T10 tournament.
He has vowed to win over fans during his 10-day stay in Zimbabwe.
“This (Zimbabwe) is like my second home, because I have been here like nine or 10 times, and I really enjoy playing cricket here,” said Rahim.
“People can expect fireworks from me as this is like a key component of T10 cricket.”
Like many cricketers and cricket lovers, Rahim watched the recent ICC Cricket World Cup and was won over by the passion and exuberance displayed by the fans.
“I watched the qualifying rounds of the World Cup and saw the fans come in their numbers to support Zimbabwe.
“I really loved the crowds. I hope to see those fans come to watch the games and my team to win the tournament,” he said.
This is the first time a tournament of this nature and format has been held in Zimbabwe.
Rahim is among the many stars that have come to add some gloss to the proceedings, which kick off on Thursday with the opening ceremony and a match between the Braves and Harare Hurricanes.
Other high-profile stars include Bangladeshi cricketer Taskin Ahmed, the duo of Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa, West Indies’ Andre Fletcher, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and former England captain Eoin Morgan.
Online Reporter