Historic Boxing Day Test: Zimbabwe to host Afghanistan after 28 years

Zimbabwe will play host to their first-ever Boxing Day Test since 1996 when they host Afghanistan for an all-format series from December 2024 to January 2025. A total of three T20Is and as many ODIs will be played between the two sides before commencing on the two-match Test series.

The white-ball games in Harare will follow the red-ball series. The first Test in Bulawayo on December 26 will be the first time after 28 years that Zimbabwe will be hosting a Boxing Day Test. The one against England in 1996 was a rain-affected affair which ended in a draw.

Chairperson of Zimbabwe Cricket, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, elaborated on the historic first Test followed by the New Year's Test at the same venue. He was also certain that the series would play out with the same fervour like the past encounters between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have played out.

"Boxing Day and New Year's Test matches are iconic cricket fixtures that we are delighted to be adding to our calendar this festive season and we are looking forward to celebrating in style one of the finest traditions in the sport's long history. Before the Test series scheduled for Bulawayo, we will start off with some T20I and ODI action in Harare to complete a full tour, a clear demonstration of our commitment to improve our game across all formats. Matches between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are always intense and exciting affairs and we have no doubt the players will once again serve up some great entertainment befitting such a historic tour," stated Mukuhlani, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The all-format tour to Zimbabwe is a significant event for us: Ashraf

Chairperson of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, Mirwais Ashraf, had similar sentiments to express.

"The all-format tour to Zimbabwe is a significant event for us. We have a rich history with Zimbabwe, and playing there has always been challenging, but it's a challenge I believe the Afghan Atalan can face confidently," mentioned Ashraf.

In addition to 28 ODIs and 15 T20Is which have been played between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, they have played just two Tests against each other. The couple of games were played in Abu Dhabi, with both the sides winning one game apiece.