Belgium-Born Antum Naqvi Set for Zimbabwe Test Debut Against Afghanistan
Belgium-born batter Antum Naqvi is poised to make his Test debut for Zimbabwe in the upcoming one-off match against Afghanistan, set to begin on October 20 in Harare. The 26-year-old, who averages a remarkable 67.75 in first-class cricket, has been named in Zimbabwe's 16-man squad for what will be their first international fixture since securing qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Naqvi, of Indian and Pakistani descent, was born in Brussels and raised in Australia from the age of four. A qualified commercial airline pilot, he put his aviation career on hold to pursue cricket full-time. He recently qualified to represent Zimbabwe, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket.
A standout performer in domestic cricket, Naqvi etched his name in the record books with an unbeaten 300 for Matabeleland Tuskers in the Logan Cup in January 2024 — the first triple-century by any player from a Zimbabwean side at representative level. He has since amassed 1626 runs in 26 first-class innings, with six centuries to his name, including a recent knock of 108 against the MCC playing for Zimbabwe A.
Joining him as a potential debutant is fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa, who has represented Zimbabwe in white-ball formats but is yet to play Test cricket.
Zimbabwe have also recalled Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans, the latter returning for only his second Test after debuting in February 2023. Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Clive Madande, and Vincent Masekesa miss out, with Williams unavailable due to personal reasons.
Craig Ervine will lead the side, with experienced campaigners Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, and Blessing Muzarabani providing depth and leadership.
The one-off Test will run from October 20 to 24 at Harare Sports Club, as Zimbabwe shifts focus back to red-ball cricket following their T20 World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe squad for Afghanistan Test:
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.