Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni has welcomed an extensive tour of the United Arab Emirates that will give Zimbabwe valuable exposure across all three international formats.
The Chevrons will face Afghanistan and Bangladesh in an ODI tri-series before taking on Afghanistan in three T20 Internationals and two Tests between October and November.
For Makoni, the two-Test series stand out as particularly important as Zimbabwe continues with the push for more regular opportunities in the longest format.
“This is an important tour for Zimbabwe, offering our players high-quality competition across all three formats,” said Makoni.
“The ODI tri-series will test us against two strong sides, while the two Tests are especially valuable as we continue seeking more regular opportunities in the longest format.”
Zimbabwe will open the ODI tri-series against Bangladesh on October 17 before facing hosts Afghanistan two days later.
Afghanistan will then meet Bangladesh on October 21, with the top two teams progressing to the final on October 23.
The ODI matches will provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to measure itself against two established international sides, while also giving the national team valuable exposure to conditions in the UAE.
The Chevrons will then remain in the UAE for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, beginning on October 27, before the focus shifts to Test cricket.
The first Test is scheduled for November 5-9, with the second set for November 13-17.
Makoni believes the programme is significant not only because of the quality of opposition but also because of the opportunities it provides Zimbabwe’s players to gain experience across different formats and conditions.
The managing director also expressed his appreciation to the Afghanistan Cricket Board for hosting the tour and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for its cooperation in putting the programme together.
“We sincerely appreciate the Afghanistan Cricket Board for hosting this programme and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their cooperation,” he said.
“We look forward to a competitive and exciting tour.”
The tour comes at a time when Zimbabwe are looking to build greater depth in their national side and provide players with more consistent exposure to international cricket.
The Test component will be of particular interest, with Zimbabwe continuing to seek a more regular calendar in the format.
Afghanistan Cricket Board chief executive officer Naseeb Khan said the programme would also provide his side with valuable multi-format competition.
“We are pleased to confirm this important period of international cricket for the Afghanistan National Team,” said Khan.
“Playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats will provide our players with valuable competitive opportunities and offer our supporters an exciting period of international cricket.”
Before Zimbabwe arrives in the UAE, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will contest a one-off Test from October 9-13.
UAE TOUR SCHEDULE
ODI TRI-SERIES
October 17: Bangladesh v Zimbabwe
October 19: Afghanistan v Zimbabwe
October 21: Afghanistan v Bangladesh
October 23: Final
AFGHANISTAN v ZIMBABWE T20I SERIES
October 27: First T20I
October 29: Second T20I
November 1: Third T20I
AFGHANISTAN v ZIMBABWE TEST SERIES
November 5-9: First Test
November 13-17: Second Test
