Zimbabwe are set to host Afghanistan within the opening Take a look at of a two-match sequence at Queens Sports activities Membership, Bulawayo, beginning December 26, 2024. This recreation carries particular significance because it marks Zimbabwe’s first dwelling Boxing Day Take a look at in practically three many years. The hosts are decided to make the event memorable by delivering a robust efficiency, particularly after their current struggles in white-ball codecs.
Afghanistan’s dominance in limited-overs codecs towards Zimbabwe
Afghanistan arrives in Bulawayo with momentum on their aspect, having excelled in each the T20I and ODI sequence towards Zimbabwe. Their commanding victories – 2-1 within the T20Is and a 2-0 sweep within the ODIs – have highlighted their strengths in shorter codecs. Nonetheless, the transition to Take a look at cricket presents a recent problem, requiring higher endurance and a shift in technique as they appear to take care of their successful streak.
Challenges in red-ball cricket
Each Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face the problem of moving into the Take a look at area after extended gaps. Zimbabwe final performed a Take a look at match in July 2024, the place they endured a loss to Eire. This sequence provides them an opportunity to regroup and reclaim their footing in red-ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their most up-to-date Take a look at fixture – a scheduled match towards New Zealand in September 2024 – was canceled with none play, leaving them equally wanting Take a look at match apply.
Additionally READ: Zimbabwe picks 7 uncapped gamers of their squad for Afghanistan Assessments
Bulawayo Climate Forecast
The climate in Bulawayo for the Take a look at match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday options constant rain and thunderstorms. Thursday begins with mild rain (26°C/18°C, average precipitation, excessive humidity). Friday brings scattered thunderstorms (26°C/18°C) with elevated rain probabilities and humidity. Saturday sees heavier thunderstorms (27°C/18°C) with sturdy winds and heavy precipitation. Sunday (24°C/19°C) and Monday (26°C/18°C) are dominated by regular rain, sustaining excessive humidity and difficult situations for cricket.

Day-by-Day Climate Breakdown
Thursday
- Situation: Mild Rain
- Temperature: Excessive 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Reasonable
- Humidity: Excessive
Friday
- Situation: Scattered Thunderstorms
- Temperature: Excessive 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Seemingly
- Humidity: Excessive
Saturday
- Situation: Heavy Thunderstorms
- Temperature: Excessive 27°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Heavy
- Humidity: Very Excessive
Sunday
- Situation: Rain
- Temperature: Excessive 24°C, Low 19°C
- Rain: Constant
- Humidity: Excessive
Monday
- Situation: Rain
- Temperature: Excessive 26°C, Low 18°C
- Rain: Constant
- Humidity: Excessive