ZIM VS AFG 1ST TEST

The riveting multi-format series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is set to culminate in the Test matches, as both teams prepare to switch from colored clothing to traditional whites. This marks just the second Test series between these nations since their previous encounter in Abu Dhabi in 2021, which ended in a 1-1 draw. This also marks Zimbabwe hosting a Boxing Day Test for the first ever time at home in 28 years. After dominating the white-ball leg of the tour with victories in both the T20I and ODI series, Afghanistan will be looking to maintain their winning momentum in the longest format. As usual, the Afghans will be striding under the astute leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi who experienced campaigners like Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai will accompany. Meanwhile, newcomers like the young Sediqullah Atal, who also won the Player of the Series in the ODIs, will be seen holding the top order. Fast bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad are also in the mix. Mystery spinner and their trump card, Rashid Khan's return to the whites remains a huge question mark as the leggie was seen in the Netherlands recently and might miss out on the first Test due to personal reasons. That being said, he might be joining the squad later but his participation is not confirmed as yet. This makes the Afghan spin arsenal look a bit inexperienced as well. Hence, spinners like Zahir Shehzad and AM Ghazanfar will play a huge role in the spin duties. Pacers like Naveed Zadran and Fareed Ahmad will hold the key in the bowling department. Zimbabwe, looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance in the white-ball formats, has made bold selections for the upcoming two-Test series. Under the leadership of the seasoned Craig Ervine, the Chevrons have injected fresh blood into their squad with seven uncapped players. The hosts will lean heavily on their experienced core, particularly Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, to anchor the batting lineup. Raza's dual role as a key batter and spin bowling spearhead will be the key player to watch out for Zimbabwe. This also marks the debut Test series for top-order batter Ben Curran, and middle-order batter Johnathan Campbell. While seasoned pacers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani will spearhead Zimbabwe's fast bowling attack, the squad features exciting new prospects in Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira, and Newman Nyamhuri, all eager to make their mark in Test cricket. Zimbabwe faced Ireland in their last Test match and faced a convincing defeat, and this time the Chevrons will be itching to dominate on home soil. This Test series also promises to be another historic chapter in the cricketing relationship between these emerging nations. Let’s see who wins the first match which will be played at the iconic Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.