Antum Naqvi enhances his domestic numbers as calls for Zimbabwe debut grow louder

ZIMSPHERE 

Zimbabwe cricket is at a crucial juncture, searching for players who can bring stability, power, and versatility across all formats. One name that stands out is Antum Naqvi. His impressive stats in First-Class, List A, and T20 cricket make a compelling case for his inclusion in the national team.

Antum Naqvi was born in Brussels and found his way to Zimbabwe via Australia. [Image: BBC] 

A Dominant Force in First-Class Cricket

Antum Naqvi’s First-Class (FC) record is nothing short of outstanding. In 17 matches, he has amassed 1,450 runs at an average of 65.90, with a career-best knock of 300 runs*. This kind of performance highlights not just his technical skill but also his temperament to play long innings. 

His ability to convert starts into significant scores is evident, with five centuries and six half-centuries already to his name. His strike rate of 73.86 suggests that he balances caution with aggression, making him an ideal fit for Zimbabwe’s middle order in red-ball cricket.

A Reliable Performer in List A Cricket

The shorter format is where Naqvi’s adaptability shines. In 16 List A matches, he has scored 867 runs at an impressive average of 57.80, with a strong strike rate of 111.58. His four centuries in such a short span demonstrate his ability to play match-winning knocks. Additionally, his ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries makes him an asset in the One-Day International (ODI) setup. Zimbabwe has long struggled to find consistent batters who can build an innings while maintaining an aggressive tempo—Naqvi fits this role perfectly.

T20 Capabilities – A Power Hitter in the Making

While he has played only seven T20 matches, Naqvi has already shown glimpses of his explosive nature. With a strike rate of 146.80, he can play the role of a finisher or an attacking middle-order batter. His ability to clear the boundary, evident from his tally of 13 fours and 6 sixes in just five innings, suggests he could be a strong addition to Zimbabwe’s T20I squad.

An All-Round Asset with the Ball

Naqvi is not just a prolific batsman—he is also an effective bowler. In 17 First-Class matches, he has taken 47 wickets at an average of 25.23, with best figures of 5/52. In List A, he has claimed 19 wickets at 28.31, proving he can be a reliable bowling option. His T20 numbers are also impressive, with 9 wickets at a strike rate of 15.4, including a best performance of 4/20. Zimbabwe has struggled to find quality all-rounders who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball—Naqvi’s inclusion would strengthen the team’s depth.

Why Zimbabwe Needs Antum Naqvi

1. Proven First-Class Performer: His high batting average and ability to play long innings make him a strong candidate for Zimbabwe’s Test and domestic circuit.

2. Explosive Limited-Overs Player: His aggressive batting style and high strike rate in ODIs and T20s would add firepower to Zimbabwe’s middle order.

3. Consistent All-Rounder: His ability to pick up wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 3.00 in First-Class and 5.37 in List A makes him a dual threat.

4. Big Match Temperament: Scoring a triple century in first-class cricket and four centuries in List A cricket suggests he can perform under pressure.

5. Zimbabwe Needs More Match-Winners: With Zimbabwe cricket looking for players who can take the team to the next level, Naqvi offers a well-rounded skill set.

Final Thoughts

Antum Naqvi is the kind of player who can elevate Zimbabwe cricket in all formats. His ability to anchor innings, accelerate when needed, and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable asset. Given his stats and performances, the selectors should seriously consider bringing him into the national setup. If Zimbabwe is looking for a game-changer, Naqvi is the answer.