Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ALL-rounder Antum Naqvi has finally qualified to represent Zimbabwe and has been named in the Chevrons squad to play Afghanistan in a one-off test match set for Harare Sports Club next week.
The Belgian-born player, who was groomed in Australia, has finally qualified to represent Zimbabwe after getting his citizenship certificate.
Naqvi has been impressive in List A matches and recently hit a century against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club in a three-day match.
Naqvi had been named in a 16-man squad that also features uncapped Tinotenda Maposa, who was also impressive in the recent three-day match.
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.
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 arrived Thursday night, after touring Zimbabwe last year for a two-Test series in Bulawayo.
The match starts on the 20th and will run until the 24th at Harare Sports Club before the two teams clash in three T20Is.
