Zimbabwe is set to host Afghanistan in the opening two-match Test at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, from December 26, 2024. The match has a special significance as it is the first Boxing Day Test match in Zimbabwe in almost three decades. The hosts are determined to make the event memorable by exercising, especially after the white ball game.
Afghanistan's dominance in limited edition against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan will arrive in Bulawayo with strength on their side, having done well in the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. Their commanding success – 2-1 in T20Is and a 2-0 sweep in ODIs – highlighted their strengths in short forms. However, the changes to Test cricket bring new challenges, which require a lot of patience and a change of direction as they look to continue their success.
Challenges in red ball cricket
Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are struggling to enter the Test series after a long absence. Zimbabwe last played a Test match in July 2024, where they lost Ireland. This game gives them a chance to reinvent themselves and get back to playing red ball cricket. In Afghanistan, their latest game – the game they are planning new Zealand in September 2024 – it was canceled without playing, leaving them again short of Test matches.
Also READ: Zimbabwe have selected 7 players who have not been in their team for the Afghanistan Tests
Bulawayo Weather Forecast
The weather in Bulawayo for the Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday will be intermittent rain and thunderstorms. Thursday starts with light rain (26°C/18°C, light rain, high humidity). Friday brings a bloody thunderstorm (26°C/18°C) with more chance of rain and humidity. Saturday will be very strong thunderstorms (27°C/18°C) with strong winds and heavy rain. On Sunday (24°C/19°C) and Monday (26°C/18°C) there will be steady rain, maintaining high humidity and critical cricket conditions.
Daily Weather Damage
Thursday
- Condition: Light Rain
- Heat: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Intermediate
- Moisture: Above
Friday
- Condition: Scattered thunderstorms
- HeatTemperature: Low 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Maybe
- Moisture: Above
Saturday
- Condition: Strong Storm
- Heat: High 27°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Heavy
- Moisture: Very high
Sunday
- Condition: Rain
- Heat: High 24°C, Low 19°C
- Rain: Default
- Moisture: Above
Monday
- Condition: Rain
- Heat: High 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Default
- Moisture: Above