Zimbabwe announces young squad for upcoming T20I series against India

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced a youthful squad for the forthcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against India, with seasoned all-rounder Sikandar Raza at the helm. The series is set to commence this weekend in Harare.

Among the fresh faces in the squad is 25-year-old Antum Naqvi, a Belgian-born batter whose inclusion hinges on the approval of his citizenship status. Born in Brussels to Pakistani parents, Naqvi relocated to Australia before expressing a keen interest in representing Zimbabwe.

With an application for naturalization underway, his addition could provide significant batting strength, having demonstrated impressive form in domestic cricket with a T20 strike rate of 146.80 and formidable averages in first-class and List-A cricket.

Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe is on a mission to rebuild after missing out on qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The squad, averaging 27 years of age with a cumulative 558 T20I appearances, strikes a balance between youthful vigour and seasoned experience.

Sikandar Raza is the most experienced player!

Leading the team at 38, Sikandar Raza is the most experienced player, boasting 86 T20I appearances. He is supported by 29-year-old all-rounder Luke Jongwe, with 63 T20Is to his name, and pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, aged 26 and 27, with 52 and 51 T20I matches respectively.

The squad welcomes back several key players, including Tendai Chatara, Wessly Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta, Dion Myers, Innocent Kaia, and Milton Shumba. Retained from the previous squad are Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Faraz Akram.

Notably, five players from the last T20I series against Bangladesh in April have been excluded. Veterans Craig Ervine and Sean Williams were not considered, while Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu were not cut. The series, beginning at the Harare Sports Club with the first two matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM local time, represents a vital opportunity for Zimbabwe's emerging talents to gain international exposure.

Zimbabwe Squad for T20I Series Versus India:

- Sikandar Raza (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