Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has finalized its squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Team India, slated to kick off on July 6 in Harare. A significant addition to the roster is Antum Naqvi, pending confirmation of his citizenship status.
Naqvi, aged 25, born to Pakistani parents in Brussels, Belgium, and later residing in Australia, has expressed his desire to represent Zimbabwe at the highest cricketing level, contingent upon his naturalization process. His domestic performances for the Rhinos underscore his immense potential, boasting a striking T20 strike rate of 146.80. Furthermore, he maintains outstanding averages of 72 in first-class cricket and 73.42 in List-A matches.
In response to Zimbabwe’s absence from the 2024 T20 World Cup, the cricket board has appointed Justin Sammons as the new coach and assembled a youthful squad. Notable selections include the return of Tendai Chatara, alongside seasoned players such as Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia, and Milton Shumba.
Squad:
Sikandar Raza, 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, and Shumba Milton.
Meanwhile, Team India, mindful of their senior players’ commitments in the T20 World Cup, has opted to rest several experienced members. Shubman Gill will lead a squad that includes five uncapped players. The last visit of the Indian team to Zimbabwe was in 2022 under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, where they clinched a clean sweep victory of 3-0 in the three-match ODI series.
This upcoming T20I series promises an intriguing clash between Zimbabwe’s emerging talents and an experimental Indian squad, set against the backdrop of strategic team building for future campaigns in international cricket.
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