In the absence of injured skipper Richard Ngarava, Brian Bennett will captain Zimbabwe Cricket in the two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). November 5 is the start date of the series, while November 13 is the start date of the second Test. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host both games.
The team’s most notable member is veteran leg-spinner, Graeme Cremer. This return brings him back to the longest format after almost nine years away, since his most recent Test participation was in December 2017. The squad’s general composition has also changed as a result of Tanaka Chivanga’s injury. Antum Naqvi can now represent Zimbabwe at the Test level thanks to ICC eligibility regulations.
When Naqvi, who was born in Brussels to Pakistani parents and relocated to Australia when he was four years old, was chosen in October 2025, it was said that he was finally qualified for Zimbabwe. Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa are also returning to the Test team for this series.
With Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine joining Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Wessly Madhevere as batting alternatives, Bennett will have plenty of experience in the batting unit. Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has also been added to the squad, and Taylor and Ervine stayed in the UAE following the ODI tri-series to be ready for the red-ball assignment. All-rounder Antum Naqvi has been selected to represent Zimbabwe after fulfilling the ICC eligibility requirements, while Kundai Matigimu and Vincent Masekesa have returned to the Test squad.
Zimbabwe’s full squad for the Afghanistan Tests in Sharjah:
Antum Naqvi, Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Graeme Cremer, Innocent Kaia, Ernest Masuku, Kundai Matigimu, Newman Nyamhuri, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, and Wessly Madhevere.
