Sheefeni Nikodemus
NAMIBIA is set to host Canada in a series of matches at the Wanderers Cricket Ground starting tomorrow. The two sides first meet in the Intercontinental Cup (I-Cup) from today until Sunday. The I-Cup contest gives non-test-playing International Cricket Council Associates the opportunity to engage in regular action. The second batch of matches between the sides are two World League Cricket Championship 50-overs matches, scheduled for next week Tuesday and Thursday. “These matches are important because they form part of the World Cup qualifying matches for the World Cup in 2015,” said Cricket Namibia Chief Executive Officer Graham McMillan.
The two top teams at the end of the Intercontinental Cup tournament will earn their place at the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Other countries will have the chance to make the World Cup – for the two remaining slots – through a later qualification tournament.
Cricket Namibia yesterday received an assortment of communication devices courtesy of its chief sponsor MTC, which will enable the match officials to interact during the week-long series.
Namibia’s recent success on the international stage received high praise from MTC spokesperson Tim Ekandjo.
The team finished a credible third at the recent T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Dubai, narrowly missing out on an automatic berth at the T20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka later this year.
“I can confidently say that out of all the sports codes that we are involved in, Cricket Namibia is by far the best and most professionally managed and this clearly shows in their achievements and results,” said Ekandjo.
“To this end we say to Graham and his team at Cricket Namibia, please continue with the good work.
“The upcoming games are of critical importance to our Cricket Team, and therefore I wish to encourage all Namibians, whether you understand the game or not, to come out and support the team,” Ekandjo said.
The touring Canadians said they intend to thoroughly test their opponents.
“We are thrilled to be here. I think everyone saw at the T20 [World Cup] Qualifiers that Namibia showed how good a team they are,” said Canada coach Michael Dighton.
“They are very well coached and led. We’ll be looking to give you a good game in the four days and one-dayers,” Dighton said.
All matches start at 09h00.