The show starts in style for Raza and Zimbabwe

Two days out from their first match in World Cup 2022, a father with two pre-teen kids had walked down to the practice session at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart in Sydney wondering if Zimbabwe would be practising that day. He had travelled over a 1000 kilometres from Sydney to watch his home nation play in the world tournament. On Monday (October 17), the number of such fans had swelled as Zimbabwe beat Ireland in their tournament opener. For many like Leslie Rangarira, it was their first viewing of a cricket match. He says he travelled from Melbourne to just watch the match, and even managed to reunite with a school friend who had similarly travelled for the game. For many like him the occasion was just a time to learn about cricket, which they hadn't had the chance to see too much of back in Zimbabwe, and also come out and cheer their team in a foreign land. 

On a cold night in Hobart that saw many of the few hundreds that turned up to watch the game leave early, the raucous Zimbabwe crowd was a welcome exception. Much like the joie de vivre that the fans back in the Harare Cricket Ground bring to the event, this bunch too brought a lot of cheer and a carefree nature even if some didn't get the action that was happening in front of them.