South African nationals, Johanna (left) and Di Jacobs, show allegiance to their preferred cricket teams, Zimbabwe and West Indies, respectively, holding T-shirts which are available at Island Lesiure, the Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Just like the West Indians, expect the Irish and Zimbabweans to be out in their numbers cheering on their respective teams today at Sabina Park, downtown Kingston, in the ICC Cricket World Cup.

With a growing Irish business community locally, several of that country's natives, such as David Hall, chief executive officer of Digicel, will be present at the second match being played at the stadium.

Hall said about 50 of his friends and staff members will be at Sabina, drumming up support for the Ireland team which won its warm-up match against Canada.

First time competing

This is Ireland's first time competing in the International Cricket Council's Cricket World Cup.

"To the team, keep on going like you have been against Canada where you made your country proud; and if you continue in that same vein you might cause an upset against Zimbabwe," said Mr. Hall.

Don't be too happy, Ireland as Zimbabweans may be few on the island, several local South Africans will be cheering on their neighbouring brothers.

Johanna Jacobs, a South African who resides in Jamaica, along with her mother, Di Jacobs, of Cape Town, said Zimbabwe will definitely come away winners.

"They (Zimbabwe) have a good team. I don't even know where Ireland is going, they don't even play cricket," laughed Miss Jacobs.

Cricket is a minority sport in Ireland. In fact, Mr. Hall said it is the 29th ranked sport in the European country. Highly ranked sports, by the Irish, are hurling, Gaelic football, soccer and rugby.

Still, Zimbabwe has never won the coveted cup.

On Saturday, also at Sabina, Ireland will play against Pakistan, while Zimbabwe take on the West Indies next Monday.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.