Naqvi headlines new

Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE’S Test cricket side is stepping into a new chapter.

A mix of seasoned campaigners and ambitious newcomers will take to the field when the Chevrons face Afghanistan in a one off Test at Harare Sports Club starting tomorrow, a fixture that quietly signals renewal within Zimbabwe’s red ball setup.

The biggest talking point is Antum Naqvi’s long awaited call up. The in-form right hander, whose consistent domestic dominance has made his debut one of the most anticipated in years, has finally broken through. His inclusion follows a standout display in the recent three-day match against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), where he top-scored with a half century in the first innings and a fluent century in the second, the only player to reach triple figures in the match.

Naqvi joins a 16-man squad announced by Zimbabwe Cricket on Friday, one that balances promise with experience. Left arm seamer Richard Ngarava returns after being rested, while Brad Evans, whose only previous Test came against the West Indies in February 2023, has been recalled. Rising quick Tinotenda Maposa could also make his

Test debut, his selection underlining the selectors’ faith in young pace talent.

There are notable absentees, too. Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Clive Madande and Vincent Masekesa have all missed out from the group that faced New Zealand in Bulawayo in August.

Captain Craig Ervine once again leads the side, supported by experienced pillars Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, and Blessing Muzarabani. The gifted young opener Brian Bennett also retains his place, representing the continuity that blends with this fresh injection of youth.

Afghanistan’s last visit to Zimbabwe, in December and January, ended with a drawn first Test before the visitors edged the second in Bulawayo. This time, the tourists arrive without their talisman Rashid Khan, who has been rested to manage his workload ahead of a busy international schedule.

For Zimbabwe, though, the focus isn’t just on Afghanistan. It’s on reasserting a Test identity that’s been disrupted by sporadic fixtures and transition. With Naqvi and Maposa waiting in the wings and familiar figures anchoring the side, the Harare showdown feels like a chance to look forward without forgetting what came before.

Zimbabwe Test Squad

Craig Ervine (Captain), 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.

Afghanistan Test Squad

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ikram Alikhel (WK), Bahir Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Ismat Alam, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Khalil Gurbaz, Bashir Ahmad.

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