South Africa A get a wet welcome

South Africa A arrive in Zimbabwe on Wednesday afternoon for their three-match limited-overs series against Zimbabwe A at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The South Africans are anticipated to touch down at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport at lunchtime on Wednesday and will immediately travel to the ground for a net session

Zimbabwe are likely to field a strong squad as part of their preparations for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh which is sure to be their last competitive run before the World Cup in West Indies. A squad of 20 was chosen and arrived in Bulawayo on Tuesday afternoon from Harare where they have been in camp since January 9.

Zimbabwe A engage South Africa A on January 15, 27 and 28 at Queens, a venu which last hosted a high-profile match last July when Bangladesh A took on Zimbabwe A.

However, heavy rain, which has been falling since the weekend, threatens the first match. While the rain is most welcome for the locals - there is a water shortage in the region - it is not good for the cricketers who desperately need to find some form less than seven weeks before the start of the World Cup.