HARARE - Zimbabwe's cricket team returns to Harare tomorrow from Matabeleland after a three-day bonding camp at bowling coach Heath Streak’s family farm in Turk Mine.
 
Assistant coach Steve Mangongo said the camp achieved its objectives ahead of next month’s ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, where they are pooled in Group C with the hosts and South Africa.

“The programme, being a bonding and training camp, is going on very well and things look to be on course,” Mangongo told the Daily News yesterday.

“The players were shown videos of the opposition before making their analysis and presentations and I must say that a lot of positive feedback has come from each and every individual player on how they intend to tackle the opponent.”

The team then proceeded to play two warm-up games at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, where the emphasis was to acclimatise to the slow wicket conditions of the Asian subcontinent.

They will have another centre-wicket practice today before going through a range hitting exercise in the afternoon. This session involves clearing the boundary by playing the big shots, smashing fours and sixes.

Upon their return to the capital tomorrow, the players will be given a four-day break before the team leaves for Sri Lanka on September 10.

Meanwhile, injured all-rounder Malcolm Waller is making steady progress after sustaining a thumb injury in training.

“He’s coming on well, he has taken on the fielding drills quite nicely as well as hitting the ball well, showing a rapid progress,” said Mangongo.

Zimbabwe Cricket, meanwhile, has released fixtures for the upcoming 2012-2013 domestic season.
 
The Coca-Cola Pro 50 championship match between title holders Mashonaland Eagles and Southern Rocks at Harare Sports Club on October 6 will kick-start the season.

On the same day, Matabeleland Tuskers will host Manicaland Mountaineers at Queens Sports Club before the two teams clash in a Twenty20 match the next day.  

The Logan Cup, the country’s premier first-class competition, will begin end of October with the same combination playing against each other.

On the club scene, the National League has been revived after a seven-year absence from the calendar. The league starts in March with eight teams taking part.