The countdown to Bermuda’s first World Cup match finally ends tomorrow — and fans are expected to pack into bars and pubs to see the Island’s cricketers make history.

Venue managers are predicting supporters galore will take long lunch hours to watch Bermuda attempt to cause one of the greatest sporting shocks of all time against cricket giants Sri Lanka.

They say cricket fever has gradually been building ahead of the big match, especially after the tournament in the Caribbean got underway at the beginning of the week.

A number of venues are opening early, while some are laying on drinks deals to spice up the atmosphere.

Jay Correira, owner of the Swizzle Inn, in Bailey’s Bay, said: “There has certainly been a good buzz among our regulars and we are expecting a good turnout for sure.

“I suspect there will be plenty of people who will be taking long lunches to catch some of it.

“We’re looking forward to Bermuda making a good showing.

“If we can have some good highlights throughout it, especially if Sluggo (Dwayne Leverock) can take some more wickets like he has before, I’d be happy to see that.”

Mr. Correira said tourists in the bar would also be watching with interest.

“They’ll probably watch it with some curiosity,” he said, “but there will be an awful lot of explaining going on, that’s for sure.”

Docksiders pub, in Front Street, has been opening early to show the cricket.

Owner Reed Young said: “I think we’ll have a good crowd in here to watch it.

“I expect we’ll be busy when people come in for their lunch hour. We may still be busy again for happy hour in the early evening — but I guess it depends on how long the match goes on for.

“It’s huge for Bermuda just to get to this stage and it’s fabulous for Bermuda’s supporters.”

Flanagan’s Irish Pub, in Front Street, will be open from 10 a.m., half an hour before wickets are pitched.

Manager Chris Garland said there had been a big turnout for the warm-up games, and a drinks discount would help pull more in tomorrow.

“People have to work,” he said, “but we’re hoping for some turnout around lunchtime. I hope they stay on TV as long as possible to put Bermuda on the map.” Other pubs showing the cricket include the Robin Hood, in Richmond Road, and Bermuda Bistro At The Beach.

Meanwhile, television and hospital bosses have struck a deal to ensure patients at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital don’t miss out on the action.

They have arranged for the channel showing the cricket to be added to patients’ television package free of charge.

Corey Butterfield, partner at Hardell Multimedia, which has the TV contract for Bermuda Hospitals Board, said: “The patients would hate to miss out on watching the cricket because they are in hospital. We spoke to Inter Island Communications and the hospital and found a way we could make the extra channel free of charge for patients.”

David Hill, CEO for BHB, said: “We are delighted that Inter Island Communication, in conjunction with the Hardell group, are providing our patients with free cable access to the Cricket World Cup games.

“This is an excellent example of community partners working together for the good of others. We thank everyone involved in these efforts.”