Zimbabwe are set for hospitality Afghanistan in the opening Test of a two-match series at the Queen's Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting December 26, 2024. This match has special significance as it marks Zimbabwe's first home Boxing Day Test in nearly three decades. The hosts are determined to make the event memorable by delivering a strong performance, especially after their recent struggles in white-ball formats.
Afghanistan's dominance in limited formats over Zimbabwe
Afghanistan arrive in Bulawayo with momentum on their side, having been impressive in the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. The virtues they gave them – 2-1 in the T20Is and a 2-0 sweep in the ODIs – have identified their strengths in shorter forms. However, the transition to Test cricket is a new challenge, requiring more patience and a shift in strategy as they look to maintain their winning streak.
Challenges in red ball cricket
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face a challenge to enter the Test arena after long gaps. Zimbabwe last played a test match in July 2024, where they suffered a defeat Ireland. This series will give them a chance to regain their footing in red-ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their latest test match – scheduled match against New Zealand in September 2024 – was suspended without any play, leaving them equally short of Test match practice.
Read also: Zimbabwe pick 7 uncapped players in their squad for Afghanistan Tests
Weather in Bulawayo
The weather forecast in Bulawayo for the test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday shows constant rain and thunderstorms. Thursday will start with light rain (26 ° C / 18 ° C, moderate precipitation, high humidity). Friday will bring scattered thunderstorms (26°C / 18°C) with increased chances of rain and humidity. There will be heavier thunderstorms on Saturday (27°C/18°C) with strong winds and heavy showers. Sunday (24°C/19°C) and Monday (26°C/18°C) are dominated by steady rain, maintaining high humidity and challenging conditions for cricket.
Day-to-day weather breakdown
Thursday
- State: Light rain
- Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Water: moderate
- Moisture: High
Friday
- State: Dispersal of storms
- Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Water: like
- Moisture: High
Saturday
- State: Heavy showers
- Temperature: High 27°C, Low 18°C
- Water: Heavy
- Moisture: Very High
Sunday
- State: water
- Temperature: High 24°C, Low 19°C
- Water: Regular
- Moisture: High
Monday
- State: water
- Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Water: Regular
- Moisture: High
