Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced its squad for the upcoming five-game T20I series against India, starting on July 6 in Harare. The most intriguing inclusion is that of Antum Naqvi, whose participation hinges on the approval of his citizenship.
Naqvi, 25, has an interesting background. Born to Pakistani parents in Brussels, Belgium, he later moved to Australia. Now, he aims to represent Zimbabwe at the highest level and has applied for naturalization. Naqvi’s domestic performance suggests immense potential. Playing for Rhinos, he boasts a T20 strike rate of 146.80 and averages an impressive 72 in first-class and 73.42 in List-A cricket.
With Zimbabwe not qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2024, the board has appointed a new coach, Justin Sammons, and selected a youthful squad. This series is seen as a fresh start and a chance to rebuild.
The selectors have welcomed back experienced players like Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia, and Milton Shumba. The squad also includes Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Faraz Akram.
Notably, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams have been omitted, as well as Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu.
Zimbabwe’s squad: Raza Sikandar (captain), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Antum Naqvi, Richard Ngarava, Milton Shumba.
Team India to Rest Key Players for T20 Series Against Zimbabwe
Team India has decided to rest some of its senior players, given their participation in the T20 World Cup. Shubman Gill will captain a side featuring five uncapped cricketers. The last time India toured Zimbabwe was in 2022, when Shikhar Dhawan led them to a 3-0 victory in a three-game ODI series.
This T20I series offers a chance for new talent to shine and for both teams to test their bench strength. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of the young guns and potential future stars.
