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Zimbabwe announce squad for Afghanistan Test; Belgium-born Antum Naqvi among new faces

Rajgeeta Yadav

Zimbabwe Test squad [Source: AFP]Zimbabwe Test squad [Source: AFP]

Zimbabwe have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, set to take place at Harare Sports Club from October 20 to 24. Notably, the biggest news of the announcement is the inclusion of Belgium-born all-rounder Antum Naqvi, who has just become eligible to represent Zimbabwe internationally.

Naqvi, aged 26, is seen as one of Zimbabwe’s most exciting talents. He is known for his solid batting and useful off-spin, he has an impressive record in domestic cricket, averaging over 60 in both first-class and List A formats. 

Antum Naqvi's strong performance in domestic cricket

Last year, he made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean player ever to score a triple-century (300 runs) in any representative match. In total, Naqvi has scored 1,626 runs in 19 first-class games with an excellent average of 67.75 and a healthy strike rate of 72.65. Just last week, playing for Zimbabwe ‘A’ against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), he scored 68 and 108 runs, helping his team earn a draw.

Another player hoping to make his Test debut is Tinotenda Maposa, a pacer who has already featured in limited-overs matches for Zimbabwe. The squad also sees the return of Richard Ngarava, a left-arm seamer, and Brad Evans, who last played a Test in 2023.

Some well-known names such as Sean Williams, Clive Madande, Vincent Masekesa, Trevor Gwandu, and Newman Nyamhuri have been left out this time.

Menahwhile, the team will be captained by Craig Ervine, with senior players like Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, and Blessing Muzarabani providing experience and leadership. 

Notably, Zimbabwe’s last Test series was against New Zealand in August and this upcoming game marks their first international match since securing a spot in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. 

Zimbabwe squad For one-off test: 

Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Roy Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brendan Taylor, Nick Welch