Zimbabwe vs India T20I Series preview: Naqvi included in youthful squad, Sammons' coaching team named

ASHLEY DUBE

HARARE – Zimbabwe has provisionally named Belgian-born Antum Naqvi in a youthful squad set to face India in a five-match T20I series in Harare starting on Saturday at Harare Sports Club.

Image: Zimbabwe Cricket

The 25-year-old batter's inclusion depends on the confirmation of his citizenship status.

Naqvi, born to Pakistani parents in Brussels and later moving to Australia, has expressed his desire to represent Zimbabwe internationally.

He has applied for naturalization and is seen as a strong contender for selection.

Naqvi, who plays for Rhinos domestically, holds an impressive T20 strike rate of 146.80. His first-class average of 72.00 and List A average of 73.42 underscore his potential at the highest level.

Under new head coach Justin Sammons, Zimbabwe aims to rebuild after missing out on the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The squad sees the return of former U-19 stars Dion Myers, Wessly Madhevere, and Milton Shumba. Myers, who last played for Zimbabwe in 2021, returns after pursuing tertiary education in the UK.

Madhevere and Mavuta return from their suspensions earlier this year.

Captain Sikandar Raza, 38, with 86 T20I caps, will lead the team, with pace bowlers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani expected to spearhead the bowling attack.

Luke Jongwe, Faraz Akram, and Tendai Chatara will provide support.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Cricket has completed its coaching setup following the appointment of Justin Sammons as head coach. Former South Africa international Charl Langeveldt has been named Bowling Coach.

Ravish Gobind and Curtly Diesel join as Strategic Performance Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach, respectively.

Sammons retained Stuart Matsikenyeri, now Fielding Coach, while Amato Machikicho continues as Physiotherapist. The team manager position remains vacant.

Zimbabwe coaching staff: