Zimbabwe are set to host Afghanistan in the opening Test of a two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting on December 26, 2024. This match is particularly significant as it represents Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test in almost three decades. The hosts are determined to make the occasion memorable by putting in a strong performance, especially after struggling in white-ball formats in recent times.
Afghanistan’s dominance in limited formats against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan arrive in Bulawayo with momentum after excellent performances in both the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. Your impressive victories – 2-1 in the T20Is and a 2-0 win in the ODIs – highlighted their strengths in shorter formats. However, the transition to Test cricket presents a new challenge that requires more patience and a change in strategy to maintain their winning streak.
Challenges in red-ball cricket
Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face the challenge of entering the Test arena after lengthy breaks. Zimbabwe last played a friendly match in July 2024, where they suffered a defeat Ireland. This series offers them an opportunity to regroup and gain a foothold in red-ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their last test match – a planned game against New Zealand in September 2024 – was canceled without a game, so they also lacked test match practice.
READ ALSO: Zimbabwe selects 7 uncapped players in its Afghanistan Test squad
Bulawayo Weather Forecast
The weather in Bulawayo for the test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday is characterized by persistent rain and thunderstorms. Thursday starts with light rain (26°C/18°C, moderate precipitation, high humidity). Friday will bring isolated thunderstorms (26°C/18°C) with an increased chance of rain and humidity. On Saturday there will be more severe thunderstorms (27°C/18°C) with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Sunday (24°C/19°C) and Monday (26°C/18°C) will see persistent rain, high humidity and difficult conditions for cricket.
Weather breakdown for each day
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: Probably
- humidity: High
Saturday
- Condition: Severe thunderstorms
- temperature: High 27°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Difficult
- humidity: Very high
Sunday
- Condition: Rain
- temperature: High 24°C, Low 19°C
- Rain: Consistent
- humidity: High
Monday
- Condition: Rain
- temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Consistent
- humidity: High
