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First Time In 28 Years, Zimbabwe Confirms Hosting Afghanistan In Historic Boxing Day Test


Zimbabwe and Afghanistan to play a two-game bilateral Test series (@zcdomestic/X.com)Zimbabwe and Afghanistan to play a two-game bilateral Test series (@zcdomestic/X.com)

In a historic breakthrough, the Zimbabwe Cricket Board announced that Zimbabwe will be hosting its first Boxing Day Test against Afghanistan after a gap of 28 years. The bilateral tour was initially planned for a white ball series. But both the boards agreed to add two Tests, with the opening game happening on Boxing Day.

Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, two not-so-very well-established cricketing nations, earned Test status through sheer hard work and passion for the game. Despite inadequate facilities, both teams have achieved their fair share of success in international cricket against some superior opposition. That being said, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to meet in a historic series starting in December. 

Zimbabwe-Afghanistan To clash In A Historic Test Match

Afghanistan were initially scheduled to tour for a three-game T20I and ODI series. The T20I was scheduled for December 9,11, and 12, whereas the ODI will be played on December 15,17 and 19 at the common venue of Harare Sports Club.

However, the Zimbabwe and Afghanistan cricket board recently agreed to extend the tour by adding two more Test matches with a view to promote red-ball cricket. Zimbabwe Cricket announced that a two-game Test series has been added to the tour, with the opening Test scheduled for Boxing Day, marking Zimbabwe’s first in 28 years. 

The last time they hosted a Boxing Day Test home was in 1996 against England. In 2000, Zimbabwe toured New Zealand on the eve of Boxing Day. 

Additionally, Zimbabwe will also be hosting its first-ever New Year’s Test as the second game is scheduled from January 2-6. Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo will host both games as Zimbabwe marks the beginning of a new era in Test cricket.