Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
BARELY a month after hosting West Indies, Zimbabwe will be back in international cricket when they host the Netherlands for three one-day international (ODI) matches in Harare this month.
The ODI series is part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup Super League that is serving as the main route for direct qualification for this year’s World Cup in India
The 13-team league competition will see the top eight sides, including India as the hosts, earn direct qualification, while the remaining five, along with five Associate sides, will play in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 in Zimbabwe from which two other teams will go through to the global showcase.
The upcoming series against the Netherlands will be Zimbabwe’s last in the Super League.
Although both teams are out of contention for direct qualification, their meeting in Harare this month remains important.
Chevrons captain Craig Ervine said, ‘‘I think the tour is very important for a couple of reasons, one being it’s a chance to look at some options ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup Qualifier on home soil and what sort of team our selectors are looking at.
“Two, it’s an opportunity to keep the momentum going which has brought the crowds back to Harare Sports Club and which we want to carry through to the qualifiers.’’
The matches are scheduled for the 21st, 23rd and the 25th of this month and will all be played at Harare Sports Club.