While the county cricket side are involved in a PPP Healthcare Championship match in Gloucestershire, the County Ground at Chelmsford will be hosting it's second match of the 1999 Cricket World Cup.

This time the game, which takes place on Saturday, is between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and the South Africans justified their billing as favourites to win the Tournament when they beat England at The Oval last Saturday.

After the successful staging of the Bangladesh and New Zealand fixture, the county club has been eagerly looking forward to the match, with Essex CCC Commercial Manager, David East, saying: "It has taken a lot of time and organisation to stage these two matches but the success of the last match makes it all worthwhile.

"We have had a planning committee in place for some while and the value of the work that they undertook was shown when the previous game a couple of weeks ago went off without a hitch."

The former Essex wicketkeeper was delighted with the support that the first fixture attracted and it has been anticipated that Saturday's match will be a sell-out.

He said today (Friday): "When you see the ground full to capacity with everyone enjoying themselves, it gives everyone a great buzz.

"Staging the World Cup in this country has given cricket a wonderful opportunity to sell the product to a new audience and hopefully throughout the game, we can maximise the benefits of that.."

The South Africans boast a wonderful line-up that includes one of the world's best fast bowlers, Allan Donald plus top all-rounders Shaun Pollock and Jacques Kallis.

They are noted for the outstanding fielding capabilities throughout the team, particularly the fielding of Jonty Rhodes, which is already becoming legendary.

Anyone who does not already possess a ticket for the game but is intending to attend, should check with the club regarding ticket availability on 01245 252420.

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