Zimbabwe Set to Welcome South Africa and New Zealand for Extensive Cricket Series
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced a comprehensive international home season, featuring Test series against both South Africa and New Zealand, alongside a T20I triangular series. This marks a significant period for Zimbabwean cricket, offering invaluable experience for its players and a thrilling spectacle for fans. The season, deemed by ZC managing director Givemore Makoni as “the biggest international home season we have had in years,” will run from June 28 to August 11.
Series Overview
The season is structured around three key components:
- Zimbabwe vs. South Africa Test Series: A return to Test cricket against a major cricketing nation after a considerable absence.
- T20I Triangular Series: A competition involving Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand.
- Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand Test Series: Another opportunity for Zimbabwe to test its capabilities against a top-tier Test-playing nation.
Detailed Schedule
Zimbabwe vs. South Africa Test Series
- 1st Test: June 28 – July 1 (Bulawayo)
- 2nd Test: July 6 – July 10 (Bulawayo)
This series represents a significant milestone, as it's the first time Zimbabwe has hosted South Africa for a Test series since December 2017 and the first since August 2014.
T20I Triangular Series
All matches will be played in Harare. The schedule is as follows:
- July 14: Zimbabwe vs. South Africa
- July 16: New Zealand vs. South Africa
- July 18: Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand
- July 20: Zimbabwe vs. South Africa
- July 22: New Zealand vs. South Africa
- July 24: Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand
- July 26: Final
The format involves each team playing each other twice in the league stage, with the top two teams progressing to the final.
Zimbabwe vs. New Zealand Test Series
- 1st Test: July 30 – August 3 (Bulawayo)
- 2nd Test: August 7 – August 11 (Bulawayo)
This series provides a further opportunity for Zimbabwean players to gain valuable experience against a strong New Zealand side, following New Zealand’s previous tour in 2016.
Significance and Impact
Givemore Makoni emphasized the importance of this season, stating that it provides an “incredible opportunity for our players to test themselves against two of the world’s cricketing powerhouses.” The series is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of cricket in Zimbabwe, providing a platform for local talent to shine and attracting international attention.
Zimbabwe last hosted a T20I tri-nation series in July 2018, featuring Australia and Pakistan, with Pakistan emerging as the victors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where will the matches be played? The Test matches against South Africa and New Zealand will be held in Bulawayo, while the T20I triangular series will be played in Harare.
- When does the season begin? The season officially kicks off on June 28 with the first Test match against South Africa.
- Who are the participating teams in the T20I series? The T20I series will feature Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand.
- What is the format of the T20I series? Each team will play each other twice in the league stage, followed by a final between the top two teams.