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TAKING ON THE WORLD . . . Zimbabwe’s cricketers Regis Chakabva (right) and Stuart Matsikenyeri chat at Harare International Airport yesterday just before their departure for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe national cricket team left Harare yesterday for their 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup adventure in Australia and New Zealand where they believe they will make a big impact.

A delegation of 15 players and eight officials left the capital yesterday afternoon via Johannesburg and they are expected in Sydney, Australia, today.

They will then fly out of Australia tomorrow for New Zealand where they will get their World Cup preparations underway with some practice matches.

The players, who were smartly dressed in matching grey suits, were also seen off at Harare International Airport by their families and the Director of Sport in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture Tendai Tagara.

Acting Sports Commission chairman Edward Siwela was also at the airport to wish the boys all the best in their tough adventure.

Zimbabwe Cricket general manager (operations), Chris Chiketa, is leading the team and said they had the capacity to make their presence felt.

“The guys have worked hard and are as well prepared as they can be. They would also want to raise the country’s flag,” said Chiketa.

“We are looking forward to a good tournament. I am sure the guys will do their best.

“Everything that could be done, with the time we had, was done and they are well prepared.”

Delegation

Players: Elton Chigumbura, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva, Prosper Utseya, Tinashe Panyangara, Chamu Chibhabha, Tawanda Mupariwa, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Razza-Butt, Solomon Mire, Tendai Chatara, Tafadzwa Kamungozi.

Officials: Dav Whatmore (coach), Douglas Hondo (bowling), Walter Chawaguta (fielding coach), Andy Waller (batting coach), Stanley Chioza (compete analyst), Anesu Mupotaringa (physiotherapist), Walter Karimanzira (fitness trainer).

Travel and Tour Itinerary

Wednesday 28 Jan Depart for New Zealand on SA23 via Sydney, Australia

Thursday 29 Jan Stop over in Sydney Australia

Friday 30 Jan Depart Australia for in Gisborne, New Zealand

Saturday 31 Jan Rest and practice

Sunday 1 Feb Rest and practice

Monday 2 Feb 1st practice match

Tuesday 3 Feb Rest and practice

Wednesday 4 Feb 2nd practice match

Thursday 5 Feb Rest and practice

Friday 6 Feb 3rd practice match

Saturday 7 Feb Depart for Christchurch via Auckland