Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe announced: one Test match and 3 T20Is

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Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe announced: The Afghanistan cricket team is set to tour Zimbabwe in October this year. The tour will feature one Test match and three T20 International (T20I) matches between the two teams. This schedule is shorter than the original Future Tour Programme schedule, which initially included two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is.

Four matches in Harare, T20Is in focus

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All four matches will be held at the Harare Sports Club. Significantly, this will be the first red-ball (Test) match at this ground in four years. Previously, all nine of Zimbabwe's home Test matches were held at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, although the hosts lost all of them.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has decided to give more importance to T20 International matches. These matches are considered crucial for preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Last encounter and the upcoming T20 World Cup

Afghanistan last toured Zimbabwe between December 2024 and January 2025. In the last multi-format series, Zimbabwe lost:

• The three-match T20I series was lost 1-2.
• In the 50-over series, Afghanistan won two matches, while one match was abandoned due to rain.
• In the Test matches, the first match was drawn and Afghanistan won the second.

Currently, Zimbabwe are in the semi-finals of the Africa Regional Qualifier. If they defeat Kenya, they will qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year. It's worth noting that Zimbabwe was eliminated from the 2024 T20 World Cup after losing to Uganda.

Also Read: IND vs WI 2025: Reason behind Axar Patel absence from the first Test

Future plans and improving form

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If Zimbabwe secures its place in next year's major event, Zimbabwe Cricket plans to host more T20 matches between November this year and April next year.

The Chevrons (the Zimbabwe team's nickname) would like to play against a team like Namibia (which is also in the semi-finals of the T20 Qualifier). Teams like the Netherlands and Nepal are also potential choices.

Despite losing five consecutive T20I matches early last year, Zimbabwe has improved its form and has now won six of its last nine matches. This new programme is an important step for Zimbabwe to maintain its momentum in T20 cricket and build a strong team for the 2026 World Cup.

Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025 Schedule

• One-off Test - October 20-24
• 1st T20I - October 29
• 2nd T20I - October 31
• 3rd T20I - November 2

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma Creates History, Crowned the Best T20I Batsman of All Time

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