Afghanistan are set for a busy couple of months as they prepare to host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the United Arab Emirates for an extensive multi-format cricket programme. The schedule, spanning October and November, will feature a one-off Test against Bangladesh, an ODI tri-nation series involving all three teams, followed by T20Is and Tests against Zimbabwe.
The packed itinerary will give Afghanistan valuable opportunities to test themselves across all three formats while also providing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe with competitive cricket in the UAE.
Bangladesh Test to open proceedings
The programme will begin with a one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh from October 9 to 13. The match will mark the start of what promises to be a demanding stretch for the Afghan side. Following the Test, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will join Afghanistan for an ODI tri-series. The tournament will get underway on October 17, with Zimbabwe taking on Bangladesh in the opening fixture.
Afghanistan will then face Zimbabwe on October 19, before the hosts meet Bangladesh in the final league match on October 21. The top two teams in the standings will advance to the final, scheduled for October 23, giving all three sides a chance to compete for silverware.
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe set for T20I battle
Once the ODI tri-series concludes, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will turn their attention to the shortest format. The two teams will contest a three-match T20I series, beginning on October 27. The second game is scheduled for October 29, while the series finale will take place on November 1.
With T20 cricket placing a premium on adaptability and execution under pressure, the series should provide both sides with useful preparation and an opportunity to assess their squads ahead of future international commitments.
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Two-Test series to bring action to a close
The extended programme will conclude with a two-match Test series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The first Test will be played from November 5 to 9, with the second scheduled for November 13 to 17. The back-to-back red-ball contests will provide the final test of endurance for both teams after a demanding month of international cricket.
For Afghanistan, the schedule is particularly significant as it offers exposure to a broad range of match situations. The team will have to transition from the patience required in Test cricket to the pace of ODI and T20I cricket before returning to the longer format.
Multi-format schedule
- October 9-13: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh — One-off Test
- October 17: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe — ODI Tri-Series
- October 19: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe — ODI Tri-Series
- October 21: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh — ODI Tri-Series
- October 23: Tri-Series Final
- October 27: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe — 1st T20I
- October 29: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe — 2nd T20I
- November 1: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe — 3rd T20I
- November 5-9: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe — 1st Test
- November 13-17: Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe — 2nd Test
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