Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has unveiled a 16-man squad for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, set to take place from 20 to 24 October at Harare Sports Club. The selection sees a blend of experience and fresh talent as the team looks to make a strong impression on home soil.
The squad includes a few notable changes from the group that faced New Zealand in Bulawayo in August. Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava makes his return after being rested, while all-rounder Brad Evans has earned a recall and will be aiming to make his second Test appearance, having last played in the format against the West Indies in February 2023.
Two players are on the verge of making their Test debuts. Antum Naqvi, a right-handed batter and off-spinner who recently qualified to represent Zimbabwe, has been named in the squad following impressive domestic performances. Joining him is young fast bowler Tinotenda Maposa, whose raw pace and promise have caught the selectors’ attention.
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Several players from the previous Test squad have missed out, including seasoned campaigner Sean Williams, as well as Trevor Gwandu, Newman Nyamhuri, Clive Madande, and Vincent Masekesa.
Captain Craig Ervine will once again lead the side, with stalwarts Brendan Taylor, Sikandar Raza, and Blessing Muzarabani forming the experienced core of the lineup. The youthful energy of opener Brian Bennett, along with the presence of Ben Curran and Nick Welch, is expected to provide balance to the team’s batting order.
Zimbabwe will be eager to capitalize on home advantage against an Afghan side that has proven a tough opponent in recent encounters. When Afghanistan last toured Zimbabwe in December and January, the two sides played out a hard-fought series in Bulawayo — the first Test ending in a draw before Afghanistan clinched victory in the second.
Zimbabwe Squad: 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.
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