Belgium-born batter Antum Naqvi has been named in Zimbabwe’s 16-man squad for next week’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Harare, putting him on the verge of a maiden cap. Quick Tinotenda Maposa, already seen in limited-overs colours, could also debut.
“It’s great to freshen things up,” a selector said after the announcement, adding that Naqvi’s weight of domestic runs “couldn’t be ignored”.
Key facts first
• Naqvi averages 67.75 after 26 first-class innings and struck a triple-hundred for Rangers last season – the first by any player representing a Zimbabwean side.
• Maposa, 24, has 14 white-ball internationals behind him.
• Richard Ngarava and all-rounder Brad Evans return after missing July’s New Zealand series.
• Sean Williams sits out for personal reasons; four others drop out.
Who is Antum Naqvi?
Of Indian-Pakistani heritage, Naqvi was born in Brussels, moved to Perth aged four and earned a commercial pilot’s licence before switching full-time to cricket. Zimbabwe Cricket said in its statement that he “has recently qualified to represent Zimbabwe”. Last week he signed off Zimbabwe A’s match against MCC with 68 and 108, his sixth first-class hundred.
The 25-year-old told BBC Sport earlier this year: “Flying can wait, cricket can’t.” Asked about coping with expectations, he replied, “I just keep things simple – see ball, hit ball.”
Why Maposa?
Zimbabwe’s attack looked thin in New Zealand. Maposa hits the deck hard at high-130s kph and impressed on the recent domestic T20 circuit. Bowling coach Stanley Chioza noted, “He’s raw, but there’s something there worth investing in.”
Experience alongside youth
Craig Ervine continues as captain. Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and towering seamer Blessing Muzarabani provide the spine. Evans, 28, played his only Test in 2023; if selected he lengthens the lower order and adds a brisk 130-kph option.
Afghanistan arrive on 18 October and start the Test two days later. It will be Zimbabwe’s first international outing since clinching a 2026 T20 World Cup berth, so the coaching staff are keen on momentum rather than rust. Head coach Dave Houghton said, “One match isn’t ideal prep, but that’s the schedule – we’ll make it count.”
Pitch and context
Harare Sports Club is expected to offer the usual slowish surface with some early seam. Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi and likely missing Rashid Khan through back trouble, will still fancy their chances. They beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in Abu Dhabi last time these sides met (2021).
The squad
Craig Ervine (capt), 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.
Outlook
Naqvi’s story — pilot-turned-batsman, Belgian roots, big runs — will grab attention, but Zimbabwe need more than a good headline. They have won only one of their last ten Tests; a settled top six and a penetrative bowling unit remain long-term aims. This match offers a fresh data point.
Play starts 09:30 local time on 20 October.
