Afghanistan Set to Tackle Zimbabwe in Historic Multi-Format Series
Afghanistan will tour Zimbabwe for a multi-format series, featuring its first Boxing Day Test at home in 28 years and the country’s inaugural New Year’s Test. The tour will consist of three T20I matches in Harare, followed by three ODIs, and conclude with two Test matches in Bulawayo. Historically, Afghanistan has the upper hand in ODIs and T20Is against Zimbabwe, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Zimbabwe is set to host Afghanistan in a comprehensive multi-format tour, which is notable for being the first time in 28 years that the country will hold a Boxing Day Test at home, alongside its inaugural New Year’s Test. This eagerly anticipated series will encompass matches across all three formats—T20I, ODI, and Test—commencing with a trio of T20I fixtures in Harare scheduled for December 9 to 12, 2024. Following the T20 matches, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will engage in a three-match ODI series at the same venue from December 15 to 19, 2024. The tour will then transition to Bulawayo, where the two teams will compete in a two-Test series. The first Test, marking the Boxing Day event, is slated to occur from December 26 to 30, 2024, and will be succeeded by the second Test, running from January 2 to 6, 2025. The series schedule is as follows: T20I Series: – 9 December, 2024: 1st T20I, Harare Sports Club – 11 December, 2024: 2nd T20I, Harare Sports Club – 12 December, 2024: 3rd T20I, Harare Sports Club ODI Series: – 15 December, 2024: 1st ODI, Harare Sports Club – 17 December, 2024: 2nd ODI, Harare Sports Club – 19 December, 2024: 3rd ODI, Harare Sports Club Test Series: – 26-30 December, 2024: 1st Test, Queens Sports Club – 2-6 January, 2025: 2nd Test, Queens Sports Club Historically, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have an evenly matched record in Test matches, each having secured one victory. However, in the One Day Internationals (ODIs), Afghanistan maintains a significant advantage, winning 18 out of 28 encounters. This trend continues in T20 matches, where Afghanistan boasts a remarkable record of 14 victories from 15 matches against Zimbabwe.
The tour of Afghanistan to Zimbabwe is significant as it marks a milestone in Zimbabwean cricket history with the first Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests ever hosted by the country. Such events underscore the growing stature of Zimbabwean cricket. Additionally, Afghanistan’s current form, especially highlighted by Rashid Khan’s performance in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, adds another layer of anticipation and excitement to the series. This tournament provides an opportunity for both nations to compete rigorously across all formats and to develop their cricketing prowess further.
In conclusion, the upcoming tour of Afghanistan to Zimbabwe is emblematic of important milestones in both nations’ cricketing journeys. The series will not only celebrate notable dates in Zimbabwean cricket history with the Boxing Day and New Year’s Tests but will also showcase Afghanistan’s growing dominance in limited-overs formats. Both teams will be aiming to secure victories across formats, thereby impacting their respective standings in international cricket.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
