Batter Naqvi for Zim debut

Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE’S Test side are stepping into a new era, one built on youth, belief and the promise of renewal.

As the Chevrons prepare to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test at Harare Sports Club starting tomorrow, all eyes are on two young men who have breathed life into Zimbabwe’s red-ball hopes — newboys Antum Naqvi and Tinotenda Maposa.

Both are on the brink of Test debuts after dazzling performances for Zimbabwe ‘A’ against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Old Hararians last week.

Their displays have amplified calls for a generational shift in the national team set-up, a direction Zimbabwe Cricket appear ready to take, if their blueprint is anything to go by.

Naqvi, the right-handed batter and off spinner, top scored in both innings of that drawn match, striking 68 and a brilliant 108, his sixth First-Class century.

His batting was mature, methodical and commanding, especially during his second innings stand with Clive Madande and later with Maposa.

It was a performance that felt like an audition for bigger things.

That wish has now come true.

Naqvi has been named in Zimbabwe’s 16-man Test squad, a group that blends familiar faces with bold new talent.

Also joining him is 22-year-old Tinotenda Maposa, whose all-round brilliance against MCC marked him as a player for the future.

Maposa’s five-wicket haul and fluent 74 with the bat showed composure beyond his years.

Their rise captures the broader theme of Zimbabwe’s squad selection, a delicate balance between experience and evolution.

The selectors have retained Craig Ervine as captain, supported by seasoned figures Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor and Blessing Muzarabani, while adding the energy of other youngster such as Brian Bennett and Tanunurwa Makoni.

Also returning is left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava, whose rest period is over, and Brad Evans, eager for his second Test appearance after debuting against the West Indies last year.

But missing from the previous Test group that faced New Zealand in Bulawayo are veteran Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Clive Madande and Vincent Masekesa.

This evolving mix paints a picture of a team in quiet transition, still anchored by its veterans but open to the spark of youth.

For Zimbabwe Cricket, it’s a statement that red-ball cricket still matters, even amid the modern pull of shorter formats.

The last time Zimbabwe hosted Afghanistan, the series ended 1–0 to the visitors after a draw in the opening Test.

That result stung, but it also exposed gaps that now seem to be closing.

With Naqvi’s elegance, Maposa’s energy and the reliability of Raza and Muzarabani, there is renewed belief that the Chevrons can once again compete with confidence.