City hosts international blind cricket tournament
02 February 2020
The City of Cape Town will play host to the upcoming international blind cricket series between South Africa and New Zealand. Players will compete in five T20 and two one-day international matches from 4 to 14 February 2020.
'The City is excited and honoured to host the series which is the first of its kind between the two nations. Our Recreation and Parks Department contributed R190 000 to make sure the event takes place and it's the first meeting between the two sides since the Blind Proteas defeated the Blind Caps in the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in India in 2017. Our visually impaired players are ready to put their skills to the test and the series will also give local crowds the opportunity to witness blind cricket at a top level and support their national blind cricket team,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) and the New Zealand Blind Cricket Association (NZBCA) will go up against each other in five T20 matches and two one-day international matches from 4 to 14 February 2020.
South African coach Michael Da Silva intends to use this series to assess the strength of his squad in the build up to the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in England in 2021.
Blind cricket includes both totally blind and partially sighted players in a team. The sport is very similar to normal cricket, but has slight modifications to cater for the players' lack of eyesight, such as an audible ball, amongst other adaptations.
'The series promises to be an exciting one and I want to encourage residents to come out and support the teams. Spectators can attend matches free of charge so come and be a part of this exhilarating series,' said Councillor Badroodien.
Live coverage of all the matches will be on the Pitchvision online streaming website as well as YouTube.
T20 Matches (all matches start at 10:00)
4 February: Match 1 at Bellville Cricket Club
5 February: Match 2 at The Vineyard Oval
7 February: Match 3 at The Vineyard Oval
9 February: Match 4 at Bellville Cricket Club
10 February: Match 5 at The Vineyard Oval
One day internationals (matches start at 09:00)
For any further information, please get in touch with BCSA media liaison officer Ndumiso Nyawose on 082 962 2006.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
