Zim announce squad for Afghanistan series

Zimpapers Sports Hub

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have announced a 16-man squad for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan to be played from Monday at Harare Sports Club.

The squad features a few changes from the group that took part in Zimbabwe’s last Test series against New Zealand in Bulawayo in August.

Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava returns after being 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.

Two players are in line for potential Test debuts – Antum Naqvi, a right-handed batter and off-spinner who recently qualified to represent Zimbabwe, and Tinotenda Maposa, a promising young fast bowler.

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