Last match in Bay set to be fiery affair

Chris Gayle, West Indies batsman.

Fans can expect fireworks at Hawke's Bay's final Cricket World Cup match this weekend, officials say, with hopes of a strong walk-up crowd to support Napier's adopted team.

The West Indies cricket team will arrive in Napier today, ahead of the game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at McLean Park on Sunday.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said he would be at the match to support UAE, Napier's official adopted team.

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"It's an enormous opportunity for the people of Hawke's Bay to get behind this tournament and showcase Hawke's Bay on international TV," Mr Dalton said.

A Cricket World Cup spokesman also urged fans to turn out in force for the game.

Ticket sales were yesterday similar to the game between UAE and Pakistan last week but he was hoping for a strong walk-up crowd.

"For the people of Hawke's Bay, it's their last chance to experience the World Cup."

The game is also the last match in New Zealand before the knockout phase of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

"Because it's the last pool match before the finals series starts, it's a must-win for the West Indies. In [West Indies batsman] Chris Gayle you've got one of the most exciting batsmen in the world. If he finds himself in a situation where he has to score some runs quickly, you can expect fireworks."

Fans would also get to see UAE star batsman Shaiman Anwar in action.

Anwar was the leading run scorer in the World Cup at the end of his team's game against Pakistan last week. He has never played a test and is shaping as the first cricket folk hero for his nation, having smashed an astonishing 79-ball 100 against Ireland at the Gabba in Brisbane last month.