Fans urged to see Bay's adopted team today

The United Arab Emirates will take on Pakistan at Napier's McLean Park today.

Officials are hoping for a strong walk-up crowd at Hawke's Bay's first Cricket World Cup match today, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) take on Pakistan at Napier's McLean Park.

A Cricket World Cup spokesman said yesterday about 3000 tickets had been sold for today's match.

Match capacity is 10,000 and fans were encouraged to go along and see Napier's official adopted team, UAE, clash with the strong but unpredictable Pakistan.

"With the weather looking good, we're hoping for a strong walk-up crowd, as is usually the case in Napier."

The forecast is for clear skies, with long fine spells, light northeasterly winds and a maximum temperature of 26C, according to MetService.

The spokesman said the global broadcast audience reach for the match was 2.6 billion people.

Sales for the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match on Sunday had also lifted following the Black Caps' wins over England and Australia, but there were still about 3000 tickets available for the game.

"The way the team is playing and the support they've had in their previous four matches, people in Hawke's Bay are going to have to move fast because there are fans from out of town desperate to get another slice of the action.

"It's been 23 years since the Cricket World Cup was last in New Zealand, so this is literally a once in a generation opportunity.

"Every game is something special and with Napier hosting two United Arab Emirates games, both against former World Cup champions, this is a golden opportunity to adopt the team and cheer them on to one or two possible upsets."

Tickets to all three Hawke's Bay matches start at $20 for adults, with children just $5.

Tickets are available from the ticket booths at McLean Park or at: cricketworldcup.com.