Belgian-born allrounder Antum Naqvi has been included in Zimbabwe’s Check squad for his or her two-match sequence in opposition to Afghanistan, which begins on Thursday. Naqvi, who has been taking part in in Zimbabwe since 2023, has met the ICC’s standards for eligibility for his adopted nation and will make a much-anticipated debut in Sharjah.
Naqvi is a highly-rated participant who has a batting common of 60.35 and was the primary participant to attain a triple-century for any crew in Zimbabwe, when he made 300* for the Mid-West Rhinos in opposition to the Tuskers in 2024. He has a complete of six first-class lots of and eight fifties to his identify from 24 matches and has additionally taken 62 wickets.
Twenty-two-year-old Brian Bennett will captain Zimbabwe within the absence of normal skipper Richard Ngarava, who continues to get well from a again downside. Bennett has an skilled batting line-up beneath his command, together with former captains Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor, whereas Ben Curran, Harmless Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani are all anticipated to function within the sequence.
Zimbabwe’s tempo assault must do with out Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga however has Blessing Muzarabani at its disposal, alongside Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu, who has performed one Check, and the uncapped Ernest Masuku.
Legspinner Graeme Cremer, the third 40-year-old within the aspect after Ervine and Taylor, has been recalled. Cremer has not performed a Check in virtually 9 years after final that includes for Zimbabwe in a day-night Check in South Africa in December 2017, however has been a part of Zimbabwe’s latest white-ball sides and has expertise within the UAE, the place he has lived for a number of years. Cremer, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza and Naqvi make up the spin choices.
Naqvi, who’s of Pakistani heritage and has additionally lived in Australia, was initially referred to as up by Zimbabwe in July 2024 for a T20I sequence in opposition to India however his participation was topic to his passport standing. On the time, he had utilized for naturalisation in Zimbabwe. He was then referred to as up once more to play a Check in opposition to Afghanistan in October 2025 however once more, had not obtained the required paperwork.
As just lately as June this yr, Zimbabwe Cricket was awaiting affirmation that he may symbolize Zimbabwe however stated in a press release on Wednesday that he has been cleared to play.
Zimbabwe squad for Afghanistan Exams
Brian Bennett (capt), Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Harmless Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere