Zimbabwe is set to host Afghanistan for the first Test of their two-match series, marking the first Boxing Day Test on home soil for Zimbabwe in 28 years. The fixture is scheduled to take place at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, from December 26 to 30, followed by the second Test from January 2 to 6, 2025. This highly anticipated series follows Zimbabwe's recent defeats across both the T20 and ODI formats, where they struggled to compete against the visitors.
After losing the T20I series 2-1, and then getting whitewashed 2-0 in the ODI series, Zimbabwe is aiming to restore their pride with a stronger showing in the Test format. Despite their challenges, the team has called upon fresh talent among their ranks, including Ben Curran, who is expected to make his Test debut.
Curran, the younger brother of England internationals Sam and Tom, has shown promise domestically, being the leading run-scorer in the Logan Cup with two centuries and two fifties. He will partner with Joylord Gumbie as the opening duo against Afghanistan's bowlers. Both players need to step up after disappointing outings during the recent ODIs.
Captain Craig Ervine will look to guide his team with experience, having faced similar challenges before. His recent batting form hasn't been impressive, but he hopes to set the tone for the series. Sean Williams will also be pivotal, as he has previously scored centuries against Afghanistan and is one of the key players for Zimbabwe.
On the bowling front, Zimbabwe is reliant on their pacers: Newman Nyamhuri, Richard Ngarava, Trevor Gwandu, and Blessing Muzarabani. They face the challenge of taking on Afghanistan's strong batting lineup, which includes players like Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah.
This Test series is particularly significant for Zimbabwe, being their first Boxing Day Test since 1996—a match against England which ended as a rain-affected draw. Zimbabwe has yet to win a Test match at Bulawayo since April 2001, making this upcoming battle even more pivotal for them. This series offers the chance for the players to change their fortunes after a string of defeats.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, arrives with confidence after their clean sweep of all white-ball matches against Zimbabwe. Their squad features several notable players, including the return of star spinner Rashid Khan, albeit he has withdrawn from the first Test due to personal reasons. This absence raises questions about Afghanistan's spin strategy, especially with the possibility of fielding 18-year-old spin bowler Allah Ghazanfar, who has garnered attention with impressive T20 and ODI records.
Conditions at Queens Sports Club are typically favorable for pace bowlers, but the weather forecast hints at possible rain and thunderstorms, which could play spoilsport during the Test match. Both teams may have to navigate challenging conditions which could impact strategies and performances on the field. This unpredictability adds another layer of excitement for spectators and analysts alike.
With so much at stake, both teams will be eager to seize the moment and demonstrate their capability. The series is poised to be competitive, with both teams showcasing talent and aiming for victory after their earlier encounters ended with evenly matched results. The last time these two teams met in Test cricket was back in 2021, and this series could signal the dawn of new rivalries and budding talent on both sides.
For fans eager to catch the action, this landmark series promises to be thrilling, with the unique setting of Zimbabwe hosting its first Boxing Day Test and first-ever New Year's Test. The upcoming matches at Bulawayo will not only be about winning but also about rewriting the narrative of Zimbabwean cricket on the world stage.
