Windies, World Cup matches bring big buzz to idyllic Nelson

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NELSON: For a city best known for year-round sunshine, pristine beaches and spectacular scenery, the cricket World Cup has brought a bigger than normal buzz here ahead of Monday’s game between the West Indies and Ireland.

Located on the north end of South Island and overlooking the picturesque Tasman Bay, Nelson has come to represent an idyllic mixture of tranquillity and adventure for visitors, reports CMC.

Its array of music and art festivals provide the perfect setting for the easy-going while the three iconic national parks serve up the thrills of hiking and kayaking for the more daring.

The arrival of the World Cup will introduce a new dynamic to the fun-loving city, however. Following on from the West Indies fixture, UAE play Zimbabwe next Thursday while Bangladesh face Scotland Mar 5.

Invariably, police have stepped ANDREW BALBARNIE: The Middlesex batsman has been in splendid form and is one of the rising stars of Irish cricket. WI WON IRELAND v WEST INDIES MARLON SAMUELS: Having returned from a two-year ban, the veteran all-rounder is desperate to prove his capabilities. LL

W LLL

(W: Win, L: Lost, T: Tied, NR: No result)

WEST INDIES 2/9 3.30am (Mon), live on Star Sports 1, 3, HD1, HD3