Zimbabwe will host Afghanistan for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Test matches
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will compete in two Test matches in Bulawayo—one beginning on Boxing Day (December 26) and the other at the start of the new year (January 2), as announced in a joint statement from both cricket boards.
This series will mark the first time in 28 years that Zimbabwe has hosted a Boxing Day Test, a tradition celebrated in several Southern Hemisphere countries.
Afghanistan’s tour will kick off with a series of white-ball matches in Harare, including three T20Is and three ODIs, before moving to Bulawayo for the Test matches.
“Boxing Day and New Year’s Test matches are iconic fixtures that we are thrilled to include in our calendar this festive season,” said Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani.
“We look forward to celebrating one of the sport’s finest traditions.
Before the Test series in Bulawayo, we will start with some T20I and ODI action in Harare, showcasing our commitment to improving our game across all formats.”
Afghanistan Cricket Board chief Mirwais Ashraf remarked on the significance of the tour, stating, “The all-format series in Zimbabwe is an important event for us.
We have a rich history with Zimbabwe, and playing there has always been a challenge, but it’s one that the Afghan Atalan can meet with confidence.”
Historically, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have evenly split the two Tests they have played to date.
Tour itinerary:
| Date | Matches | Venues |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 9 | 1st T20I | Harare |
| Dec 11 | 2nd T20I | Harare |
| Dec 12 | 3rd T20I | Harare |
| Dec 15 | 1st ODI | Harare |
| Dec 17 | 2nd ODI | Harare |
| Dec 19 | 3rd ODI | Harare |
| Dec 26-30 | 1st Test | Bulawayo |
| Jan 2-6 | 2nd Test | Bulawayo |
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