Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHEVRONS coach Justin Sammons has described his team’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup group as tough but believes the global showcase presents a huge opportunity for his charges.
Drawn in Group A alongside Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Australia and one qualifier, Zimbabwe will host 10 matches at the quadrennial tournament that will be held next year.
The fixtures will be spread across Bulawayo, Harare and Victoria Falls, while South Africa and Namibia, the other two co-hosts, will host 44 and six matches respectively.
“Obviously, at the World Cup, we are in a tough group,” said Sammons.
“It was always going to be tough regardless of which group we were going to end up in.
“However, this will be nice exposure for the boys in terms of the quality that teams like India and Pakistan possess.
“Those matches will draw big exposure for the guys, which is exciting, as well as Australia being the current world champions.
“So those are really exciting games.
“And then there is Afghanistan; obviously, they are an X-factor.
“They have got players who, obviously, ply their trade around the world in the various leagues and are big attractions. So, that too is exciting,” he said.
While South Africa are sure to dominate the show with 44 matches on the schedule — including a marquee match between India and Pakistan on October 10 and the final at the Wanderers on November 21 — Zimbabwe will not be short of high-profile matches and highlights.
Among them are matches against the reigning 50-over champions Australia at Harare Sports Club on October 15 and the big-profile match against India at the newly-constructed Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium in Victoria Falls.
That match will be the Chevrons’ final game of the group stage on October 24.
While the venue will host three other Super 7 matches, the game against India remains the biggest draw and highlight for both Zimbabwe as a country and the Chevrons.
The combination of one of the world’s biggest and most successful teams, India, and Victoria Falls creates significant potential for Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality industries.
Travelling supporters, broadcasters, sponsors and corporate guests could generate additional demand for hotels, transport, restaurants, entertainment and tourism experiences, while cricket visitors may combine the match with sightseeing, adventure activities and wildlife experiences.
“It is always exciting to play India,” said Sammons.
“In terms of the ground, I have no idea what to expect as I am yet to visit it. So I don’t know how the World Cup will play or how it’s all panning out.
“However, I do believe it’s really looking good.
“It is an exciting venue to play a side like India, and something we are all looking forward to,” said Sammons.
Zimbabwe open their World Cup campaign with a match against a yet-to-be-determined qualifier (A) at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on October 9.
They will then face an all-too-familiar foe in Afghanistan, again at Queens Sports Club, on October 11.
The Chevrons will then move to the capital, where they will face Australia and Pakistan at Harare Sports Club on October 15 and 19.
They will then wrap up the group stages with the high-profile match against India at Mosi-oa-Tunya International Stadium on October 24.
