ZIM TO FACE CALYPSO KINGS

HOSTS Zimbabwe will face the West Indies, the Netherlands, Nepal and the United States in Group A of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 to be played across four venues in Harare and Bulawayo from 18 June to 9 July.

The high-stakes battles will feature two former World Champions.

The schedule for the event has been released, with the 10 teams taking part in the tournament split into two groups of five teams.

Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) make up Group B.

Each match will be high stakes, with teams contesting for two places at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India later in the year.

The top three from each group will progress to the Super Six stage where each team will play three matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage.

All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage, apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group.

The finalists will both progress to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Zimbabwe will play Nepal in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 at Harare Sports Club on 18 June.

Two days later, the hosts will face the Netherlands at the same venue.

On 24 June, Zimbabwe and the West Indies will lock horns at Harare Sports Club in what should be the biggest Group A fixture.

Zimbabwe’s last group fixture will be against the USA at the same venue on 26 June.

“We are looking forward to an unforgettable treat of great, entertaining and competitive cricket, something that is guaranteed considering the quality of the teams participating in the tournament,” said Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani.

“Apart from the magic that the game itself is promising, this event presents us as the hosts with an incredible opportunity to showcase not only the passion for cricket in Zimbabwe but also the warmth of our people as well as the breath-taking beauty of our country and its tourist attractions.”

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said:

“The countdown to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is entering the final stages and this event presents an incredible opportunity for teams to earn a place in the pinnacle event of one day cricket.

“The stakes don’t get any bigger in what will be a very competitive event enjoyed by fans looking to see who will join the eight teams that have already booked their tickets to India.

“With two former Men’s Cricket World Cup champions among the contenders as well as emerging cricket nations who are aiming to qualify for the first time, this unique event, featuring teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe will be a showcase of the global game.”

ICC MEN’S CRICKET WORLD CUP QUALIFIER FIXTURES:

Sunday, 18 June

Zimbabwe v Nepal, Harare Sports Club

West Indies v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Tuesday, 20 June

Zimbabwe v Netherlands, Harare Sports Club

Nepal v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Saturday, 24 June

Zimbabwe v West Indies, Harare Sports Club

Netherlands v Nepal, Takashinga Cricket Club

Monday, 26 June

Zimbabwe v USA, Harare Sports Club