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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE senior national cricket team players will get to warm up for their tour of Pakistan in the inaugural Zimbabwe Premier League (ZPL) that kicks off on Sunday.

Cricketers have been inactive alongside other sportspersons for the past six months due to the Covid-19 enforced lockdown.

The 2019/20 domestic cricket season abruptly halted by the lockdown imposed in March.

The Chevrons are currently in camp preparing for next month’s tour and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) released the two opening fixtures that will give players some game time ahead of their departure.

They will take on Pakistan in three one-day internationals and as many Twenty-20 internationals (T20I).

The ODI series is part of the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League and is pencilled for October 30, November 1 and 3.

The T20 matches are scheduled for November 7, 8 and 10.

Nine clubs, Amakhosi, Queens Sports Club, Midwest, Takashinga, Great Zimbabwe, Kings, Rainbow, Gladiators and Easterns will compete for the US$10 000 winners’ prize in the inaugural ZPL.

“The games are on this weekend and this is good for our cricket. What I know is that the start is meant to give national team players a run so that they’re match fit when they travel to Pakistan,” said Tuskers administrator Nicholas Singo.

Bulawayo teams, Amakhosi, who are housed at Emakhandeni Cricket Club, and Queens Sports Club clash in a local derby at Queens Sport Club.

Veteran bowler Christopher Mpofu, the Queens Sports Club captain, said they are looking forward to the tournament that will give national team players a chance to be selected for the Pakistan tour.

“So far preparations have been good and it’s awesome to start playing the game. It’s good we get to play Amakhosi in a derby. Most of the guys have been practising on their own and missed playing the game. Actually, it’s a great feeling to be back and guys are really looking forward to the game. We’ve got a few youngsters that want to show what they’re made of and I’m happy to lead them,” said Mpofu.

He said it was good to have two strong teams from Bulawayo, as it created healthy competition.

There are, however, some players from Harare involved with Bulawayo teams.

Luke Jongwe, Chamu Chibhabha and Charles Gunje have been roped in to strengthen the sides.

“I think we’ve got a decent team. I’ll do my best to lead by example. I believe that it’s in such competitions that you get recognised when you do well,” said Mpofu.

Amakhosi are captained by national team bowler Ainsley Ndlovu and have an equally strong squad.

Chevrons opening batsman Brian Chari, spinner John Nyumbu, Charlton Tshuma, Ernest Masuku, Thabo Mboyi and Cunningham Ncube have been consistent performers for Amakhosi and are expected to play a pivotal role in this campaign.

“The preparations have been good and guys looking good. They are ready and obviously everyone is happy to finally get to play. There is no better place to express yourself than in middle.

“As Amakhosi, we always pride ourselves in being the best and everyone is excited about the competition and obviously everyone wants the trophy home. It’s been visible in the way guys have put in hard work during the preparations. Everyone has definitely put their hand in regardless of this abnormal situation we’re all going through,” said Ndlovu.

Fixtures
Sunday: Midwest vs Takashinga (Kwekwe Sports Club), Great Zimbabwe vs Harare Kings (Masvingo Sports Club), Rainbow vs Gladiators (Harare Sports Club), Queens vs Amakhosi (Queens Sports Club), Easterns (Bye) — @ZililoR