Zim face PNG in test of strength
Zim starts reaping CWC qualifiers rewards
ZIMBABWE has started reaping rewards for hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifier with budding cricketers set to acquire expert advice and coaching from international players during their stay here.
Through the ICC Cricket for Good project, the host nation’s young players will get a lifetime opportunity to interact and get expert advice from international stars.
Zimbabwe will host the qualifiers from March 4-25, with venues spread from Harare, Kwekwe and Bulawayo.
Yesterday, in Kwekwe, 80 players under the age of 13 were trained by Zimbabwe’s development coaches at Kwekwe Sports Club and got a chance to interact with AFTER their ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier first warm-up match against Ireland was abandoned due to a wet Queens Sports Club outfield, Zimbabwe have the last chance to test their strength when they take on Papua New Guinea at Bulawayo Athletic Club today.
Zimbabwe’s clash with Ireland could not take place on Tuesday after the umpires deemed the wet outfield too dangerous for the players, resulting in it being cancelled without a ball being bowled.
PNG on the other hand had their warm-up match against Scotland at BAC, with the Scots winning by seven wickets. Assad Vala, the PNG captain, described the clash with Zimbabwe as a great opportunity for them to test themselves against great opponents for them to head into the competition with self belief.
“It’s really good opposition (against) a Test playing country. It’s a really good chance to test ourselves heading into the real games. We want to go in with a lot of confidence, so this game is really important for us,” said Vala.
Zimbabwe are likely to give Cephas Zhuwao a chance to prove himself ahead of their opening group match against Nepal on Sunday. The explosive left-hander is most likely to open the batting and try to cement his place in the team for the tournament.
Warm up matches the Nepal national team players.
More budding cricketers have been invited to come and get expert advice from international players on March 13 and 17.
Midlands province Sports Commission boss, Simon Masaka, said the project will help the development of budding cricketers.
“The project helps the development of cricket from grassroots and getting a chance to mingle with international stars motivates them.
“Today we had about 80 players from seven schools who came and got training from Zimbabwe’s development coaches and they also interacted with Nepal players after their training.
“When we get to the knockout phase of the competition players whose teams who will not be participating will also train these youngsters.
“For Kwekwe Sports Club, we have set tentative dates of 13 and 17 March in conjunction with ICC, but for the 17th there might be a change since we have a game here on that day.
“The same project will also be done in Harare and Bulawayo but I am not sure about their dates.
“The project will help children fight things like stage fright when they become professionals and they will also have something to remember after the tournament,” said Masaka.