Afghanistan to Embark on Historic Multi-Format Tour of Zimbabwe

Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe for a multi-format series, featuring T20Is, ODIs, and Tests, including the first Boxing Day Test at home for Zimbabwe in 28 years. The tour starts on December 9, 2024, and includes matches in Harare and Bulawayo.

Zimbabwe will soon host the Afghanistan cricket team for a comprehensive multi-format tour, marking significant milestones in Zimbabwean cricket history. Specifically, Bulawayo is set to feature its first Boxing Day Test at home in nearly three decades, as well as hosting the nation’s inaugural New Year’s Test match. This tour will encompass all three formats of the game, commencing with a three-match T20 International (T20I) series scheduled to take place in Harare from December 9 to December 12, 2024. Following the T20Is, the teams will engage in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series from December 15 to December 19 at the same venue. The tour will conclude in Bulawayo, where Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will compete in a two-Test series. The first Test will be played as a Boxing Day Test from December 26 to December 30, 2024, and the second Test will occur from January 2 to January 6, 2025.

The upcoming tour between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe represents a critical opportunity for both cricketing nations to enhance their competitive encounters across formats. Historically, Zimbabwe has not hosted a Boxing Day Test match at home since 1996, and the introduction of a New Year’s Test signifies a progressive step in the development of cricket infrastructure and fan engagement within the country. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is looking to build upon its growing stature in international cricket, particularly following standout performances in recent tournaments like the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The series will not only provide vital match practice for both teams but also offers a chance to assess their standings in the international arena against one another.

In conclusion, the forthcoming tour of Afghanistan to Zimbabwe in December 2024 heralds a significant moment for the hosting nation, with the introduction of a Boxing Day Test and a New Year’s Test, alongside a full series across all formats. With Afghanistan exhibiting recent dominance in T20Is, the matches promise to deliver exciting cricket action. Both teams will undoubtedly aim to assert their standing through this critical series of fixtures.

Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com