New Zealand to host Zimbabwe, South Africa

WELLINGTON,  (AFP) - - New Zealand will host Zimbabwe for the first time in 11 years as part of a home international schedule early next year that also features South Africa, officials said Friday.

New Zealand has long-standing travel sanctions on sports teams from Zimbabwe due to alleged human rights abuses by Robert Mugabe’s government but agreed to waive them this month provided the political situation did not deteriorate.

New Zealand Cricket said Friday the Zimbabwe tour would take place from January 26 to February 14. It will include one Test, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches.

South Africa will tour from February 17 to March 27, playing three Tests, three one-dayers and three Twenty20s.

“It will be a very challenging summer of international cricket and we are looking forward to taking on South Africa and Zimbabwe at home in front of our fans,” Black Caps captain Ross Taylor said.