Zimbabwe name squad to face India in five-game T20I series, Antum Naqvi provisionally included
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have named their squad for the five-game T20I series against Team India, which is set to begin on July 6 in Harare. The most notable inclusion is that of Antum Naqvi but his playing status depends on if his citizenship gets accepted.
Naqvi, 25, was born to Pakistani parents in the European city of Brussels, Belgium, before moving to Australia. His grandfather was from Pakistan while his grandmother hailed from Uttar Pradesh in India.
However, he declared his intention to represent Zimbabwe at the highest level and applied for naturalization as per India Today. Naqvi's domestic numbers suggest he has massive potential.
Plying his trade for the Mid West Rhinos in domestic cricket, he boasts a strike rate of 146.80 in T20s. He also averages a staggering 72 and 73.42 in first-class and List A cricket, respectively. With the African nation failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024, the board has roped in a new coach in Justin Sammons and selected a young squad.
The selectors welcomed the return of Tendai Chatara alongside Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia and Milton Shumba. They also retained the likes of Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Faraz Akram.
However, there was no place for Craig Ervine and Sean Williams. Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu also missed out.
Zimbabwe's squad: Raza Sikandar (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton.
Team India to rest players for T20 series against Zimbabwe
With Team India's senior players participating in the T20 World Cup, they have decided to rest some of the experienced members of the squad. Shubman Gill will captain a side that has five uncapped cricketers.
The last time India toured the African nation was in 2022 when Shikhar Dhawan led them in the three-game ODI series and the visitors won 3-0.