Zimbabwe are configured to host Afghanistan in the opening Test of a two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting on December 26, 2024. This match holds particular significance as it marks Zimbabwe’s first Boxing Day Test at home in almost three decades. The hosts are determined to make this event 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 arrive in Bulawayo with momentum on their side, having excelled in the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. Their towering 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 more patience and a change in strategy as they look to maintain their winning streak.
Red Ball Cricket Challenges
Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face the challenge of entering the Test arena after prolonged interruptions. Zimbabwe last played a Test match in July 2024, where they suffered a defeat against Ireland. This series offers them a chance to regroup and regain their footing in red-ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their final test match – a scheduled match against New Zealand in September 2024 – was canceled without any games, also leaving them short of test match practice.
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Weather forecast for Bulawayo
The weather in Bulawayo for the Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday is characterized by constant 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 high rain chances and humidity. Saturday will see more severe 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 difficult conditions for cricket.
Weather distribution day by 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: Likely
- Humidity: High
SATURDAY
- Condition: Strong 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
