Zimbabwe are set to host Afghanistan in the opening Test of a two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting on 26 December 2024. This game has special significance as it marks the first Boxing Day Test in -Zimbabwe’s home in almost three decades. The hosts are determined to make the occasion memorable by putting up a strong performance, especially after their recent struggles in white-ball formats.
Afghanistan’s dominance in limited overs formats against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan arrive in Bulawayo with momentum on their side, having excelled in both the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. Their important victories – 2-1 in T20Is and a 2-0 sweep in ODIs – highlighted their strengths in shorter formats. However, the transition to Test cricket presents a new challenge, requiring greater patience and a change in strategy as they look to maintain their winning streak.
Challenges in red ball cricket
Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face the challenge of entering the Test arena after long absences. Zimbabwe played their last Test match in July 2024, losing to Ireland. This series offers them a chance to regroup and return to red ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their most recent Test match – scheduled game against New Zealand in September 2024 – was canceled without any games, leaving them similarly short of Test match practice.
READ also: Zimbabwe pick 7 uncapped players in their squad for the Afghanistan Tests
Bulawayo Weather Forecast
The weather in Bulawayo for the Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday features consistent rain and thunderstorms. Thursday starts with light rain (26°C/18°C, moderate precipitation, high humidity). Friday brings scattered thunderstorms (26°C/18°C) with elevated chances of rain and humidity. Saturday will see heavier thunderstorms (27°C/18°C) with strong winds and heavy precipitation. Sunday (24°C/19°C) and Monday (26°C/18°C) are dominated by steady rain, keeping humidity high and challenging conditions for cricket.
Day by Day Weather Breakdown
on Thursday
- Condition: Light Rain
- Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Moderate
- Humidity: High
Friday
- Condition: Scattered thunderstorms
- Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Probable
- Humidity: High
on Saturday
- Condition: Heavy thunderstorms
- Temperature: High 27°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Heavy
- Humidity: Very high
on Sunday
- Condition: Rain
- Temperature: High 24°C, Low 19°C
- Rain: Consistent
- Humidity: High
on Monday
- Condition: Rain
- Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Consistent
- Humidity: High
READ also: ZIM vs AFG 2024, First Test: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Stats and Test Records Bulawayo
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2024-12-25 15:05:42