By Skilder Makona
The stage is set for the inaugural Test series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan which gets underway today (Tuesday) in the United Arab Emirates.
Following intense preparations in a bio-secure bubble, the Chevrons are now ready to take on Afghanistan.
With Zimbabwe Cricket building for the future, the Chevrons will be without several senior players as Coach Lalchand Rajput gives youngsters a chance.
Given that this is the first time the two sides are meeting in Test matches, it is an opportunity for young players like Wesley Madhevere, Tarisai Musakanda, Blessing Muzarabani and Ryan Burl to prove their mettle.
“This tour means a lot to us and we are looking forward to it. The road hasnt been easy for us to be here but we have and are still putting maximum effort to ensure we get the results that we want. We are not taking this series lightly and we are looking forward to see these youngsters show that they are up for the Afghanistan challenge. Yes, there are some senior players missing but this presents a big opportunity for the youngsters to learn and grow on the international arena,” team captain Sean Williams said.
Williams and all-rounder Sikandar Raza Butt will be the most experienced players in the squad, but with the Chevrons stalwarts approaching retirement age, the tour will offer a glimpse of Zimbabwes future.
The two sides have met before in T-20 encounters with Afghanistan winning all six matches but the hosts have only played four Tests since achieving red-ball status in 2017.
The Zimbabwe and Afghanistan cricket series will be broadcast live on ZBC TV starting this Tuesday.
March 2-6 & March 10-14
TIMES:
0745hrs – 1000hrs 1st Session
1000hrs – 1037hrs Break
1037hrs – 1240hrs 2nd Session
1240hrs – 1257hrs Break
1257hrs – 1500hrs 3rd Session
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