Zimbabwe Offers Free Admission for Fans at Upcoming Test Matches Against Afghanistan
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New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has declared that entry will be free for spectators at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo during the upcoming two-match Test series against Afghanistan, commencing with the Boxing Day match on Thursday.
In an official statement, ZC stated that this initiative aims to celebrate the country's first Boxing Day Test at home in 28 years. This will be followed by Zimbabwe's first New Year's Test, set for January 2-6, 2025.
“This marks an extraordinary achievement for Zimbabwe Cricket and our supporters. By permitting free admission, we aim to share this significant event with as many cricket enthusiasts as possible, fostering an electric atmosphere that inspires our players and honors the spirit of the game,” commented Givemore Makoni, Managing Director of ZC.
The last Boxing Day Test held in Zimbabwe was back in 1996, which concluded as a rain-affected draw against England at the Harare Sports Club. Since then, Zimbabwe has only participated in Boxing Day Tests overseas against New Zealand in 2000 and South Africa in 2017, with the latter being a pink-ball day-night fixture in Port Elizabeth.
In the meantime, Zimbabwe has summoned right-arm fast bowler Victor Nyauchi to take the place of Takudzwa Chataira, who sustained a right-side strain during a practice session earlier this week.
Chataira was one of the seven uncapped players initially chosen for the series. His replacement, Nyauchi, an experienced bowler with nine Test matches to his name and 20 wickets, adds valuable depth to the home side's bowling lineup.
Despite the looming threat of rain on all five days, Thursday's match will be Zimbabwe's second Test of 2024 after they faced Ireland in a one-off Test in Belfast in July, where they lost by four wickets. Zimbabwe recently lost the T20I series to Afghanistan 2-1, followed by a defeat in the ODI series 2-0.
Zimbabwe Test squad: Craig Ervine (captain), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams
