Zimbabwe are set to host Afghanistan in the opening Test of a two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting December 26, 2024. This game carries special significance as it marks Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test in nearly three decades. The hosts are determined to make the occasion memorable by delivering a strong performance, especially after their recent struggles in white-ball formats.
Afghanistan’s dominance in limited-overs formats against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan arrives in Bulawayo with momentum on their side, having excelled in both the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. Their commanding victories – 2-1 in the T20Is and a 2-0 sweep in the ODIs – have highlighted their strengths in shorter formats. However, the transition to Test cricket presents a fresh challenge, requiring greater patience and a shift in strategy as they look to maintain their winning streak.
Challenges in red-ball cricket
Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face the challenge of stepping into the Test arena after prolonged gaps. Zimbabwe last played a Test match in July 2024, where they endured a loss to Ireland. This series offers them a chance to regroup and reclaim their footing in red-ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their most recent Test fixture – a scheduled match against New Zealand in September 2024 – was canceled without any play, leaving them similarly short of Test match practice.
Also READ: Zimbabwe picks 7 uncapped players in their squad for 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 begins with light rain (26°C/18°C, moderate precipitation, high humidity). Friday brings scattered thunderstorms (26°C/18°C) with elevated rain chances and humidity. Saturday sees 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, maintaining high humidity and challenging conditions for cricket.
Day-by-Day Weather Breakdown
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: Likely
- Humidity: High
Saturday
- Condition: Heavy Thunderstorms
- Temperature: High 27°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Heavy
- 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
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st Test: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records
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