Zimbabwe have named their squad for their upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, with Belgian-born Atnum Naqvi included for the first time.
The match, which will be Zimbabwe's 10th Test of this year, is set to get underway in Harare on October 20. Some changes have been made to Zimbabwe's squad from the one that was beaten heavily by New Zealand in Bulawayo last time out. Fast-bowler Richard Ngarava returns after sitting the New Zealand series out, with Brad Evans also earning a recall.
Two players from the squad are in line for a Test debut. Fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa, who has played 14 times for Zimbabwe in white-ball cricket, has been selected, as well as right-handed batter and off-spinner Antim Naqvi.
Who is Belgian-born batter Antum Naqvi?
Naqvi was born in Belgium, and moved to Australia at the age of four. He trained to become a pilot in Australia, and earned his aviation license before putting that career on hold for cricket. Naqvi relocated to Zimbabwe in 2023 after playing club cricket with former Zimbabwe international Solomon Mire.
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He instantly made a mark in Zimbabwe domestic cricket, scoring 140* on first-class debut for Rhinos and taking seven wickets across two innings. Last year, he became the first batter to score a triple hundred in a domestic competition in Zimbabwe, scoring 300* off 295 balls for Mid West Rhinos while also captaining the side. Across his first-class career so far, Naqvi averages 67.75 with six centuries. He's also taken two five-fors and has 47 wickets in 19 games in total. He was the highest run-scorer in the last two seasons of Zimbabwe's first-class domestic competition.
While he received his maiden T20I call-up last year for Zimbabwe's series against India, he did not make his debut after questions about his eligibility to play for Zimbabwe. Now, a year later, he will have his chance to represent Zimbabwe in a Test match.
* Photo credit @ZimCricketv
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