Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE long wait is over for Antum Naqvi to get his opportunity to represent Zimbabwe after the talented batsman was named in a 16-man squad to play Afghanistan in a one-off Test match set for Monday at Harare Sports Club.
The Belgian-born right arm batter and offspinner recently qualified to play for Zimbabwe following the finalisation of his citizenship status.
He has been knocking on the national team doors since his arrival on the domestic scene in explosive fashion just over two years ago.
His availability should come as a positive development for coach Justin Sammons and his team, as Zimbabwe have been struggling for consistent top order batting in recent Tests.
Selectors could not afford to ignore him after leading Rhinos to the Logan Cup title earlier in the year, adding to his growing profile in first class cricket.
The 26-year-old has previously represented Zimbabwe A side as well as the Zimbabwe Emerging. Only this week he scored his sixth first class ton with his 108 against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club.
With the paperwork complete, he saw his call up coming and will be hoping to get selected for the Test.
“Hopefully, fingers crossed. Anytime, anytime.
“I don’t have a definitive answer for that for the fans, but just, could happen anytime now,” he said after the MCC game when asked about the potential of his Zimbabwe debut.
His inclusion will excite the Zimbabwe fans. Naqvi made headlines in January 2024 when he became the first to score a triple-century for any Zimbabwe team in representative cricket following his unbeaten 300 off 295 balls for Rhinos against Matabeleland Tuskers.
Naqvi’s life has taken him across three continents following his birth in Brussels and a move, when he was four, to Australia where he was schooled and earned his pilot’s licence.
In July 2024, Naqvi received his maiden call-up to the Zimbabwe side for a five-match series against India, with his inclusion subject to confirmation of his citizenship status. He did not get a game in that series.
But his time could come against Afghanistan, who arrived in the country on Thursday evening for the one-off Test, followed by a three-match T20I series between October 29 and November 2.
Promising young fast fowler Tinotenda Maposa is also in line for his Test debut after he was included in a squad that features a few changes from the group that took part in the last Test series against New Zealand in Bulawayo in August.
Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava returned after having been rested, while Brad Evans has earned a recall for what could be his second Test appearance, having last featured in the longest format in February 2023 against the West Indies.
Missing out from the previous Test squad are Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Clive Madande and Vincent Masekesa.
Captain Craig Ervine will lead the side, with experienced campaigners Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani expected to form the backbone of the team alongside the talented young opener Brian Bennett.
Afghanistan last toured Zimbabwe in December and January for a two-Test series in Bulawayo. The first match ended in a draw, while Afghanistan clinched victory in the second.
ZIMBABWE SQUAD FOR AFGHANISTAN TEST:
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
