Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR over a year, the name Antum Naqvi has lingered on the fringes of Zimbabwean cricket—a tantalising prospect whose senior national debut has been delayed by citizenship documentation. The 26-year-old all-rounder, widely regarded as one of the finest batters on the domestic circuit, first received a call-up in July last year.
However, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) made it clear that his participation was contingent upon confirmation of his citizenship status. Born in Brussels to Pakistani parents and raised in Australia, Naqvi’s eligibility process has been slow and complex, reflected in his continued absence from the senior Chevrons squad.
Now, the long wait appears to be nearing its end. Naqvi was recently named in the Zimbabwe ‘A’ squad for a three-day match against the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Old Hararians Sports Club. His performance was nothing short of dominant. He emerged as the leading run-scorer of the contest, registering a composed half-century in the first innings and following it up with the only century of the match in the second. This commanding display reignited fan interest and prompted renewed questions about his availability for the senior team.
Naqvi responded with cautious optimism, telling Cric263, “Hopefully, fingers crossed, anytime now… I don’t have a definitive answer for the fans but it could just happen any time now.”
In the first innings, Naqvi scored 68 runs before Zimbabwe ‘A’ was bowled out for 192. His second innings was a masterclass in patience and precision, as he compiled 108 runs off 170 deliveries to help secure a draw. He anchored two crucial partnerships—first with Clive Madande, who contributed 71 runs off 105 balls, and then with Tinotenda Maposa, who smashed a rapid 74 off just 61 balls.
Reflecting on his approach, Naqvi explained that he had adopted a more cautious mindset in the second innings, determined to bat through the day and avoid risky shots.
“Compared to the first innings, I was very flowy… but when you are taking bits of risks, sometimes you get out playing a risky shot. In the second innings, I just told myself, nothing risky… just try to bat out the whole day.”
He praised his partners for their complementary styles, noting Madande’s ability to rotate strike and play spin effectively, and Maposa’s explosive finish, which included a remarkable over of 30 runs off MCC’s Darren Ironside—four sixes, a two, and a four.
“Credit to Tino, he helped me get to my 100 first… He then said ‘I am going to hit him out of the park,’ and I was on the non-striker’s end watching all the fireworks.”
Naqvi’s domestic record speaks volumes about his readiness for international cricket. In First-Class matches, he has amassed 1 626 runs at an average of 67.75, including six centuries and seven half-centuries, with a career-best of 300 not out. He has also taken 47 wickets, with best figures of 5/52. In List A cricket, he has scored 1 286 runs at an average of 61.23, with six centuries and five fifties, alongside 24 wickets. His T20 stats are equally impressive: 320 runs at an average of 40, with two half-centuries and 15 wickets.
With his documentation seemingly close to completion, Naqvi’s immense talent and statistical brilliance suggest he will be a great addition to the Chevrons squad. His long-awaited debut could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Zimbabwean cricket—one that blends domestic excellence with international ambition.
