When Craig Ervine, captain of the Zimbabwe Cricket, confirmed the 16‑player squad on October 17, 2025, it set the stage for a historic one‑off Test against the Afghanistan Cricket Board at Harare Sports Club. The announcement also highlighted rising star Antum Naqvi, a 26‑year‑old batting all‑rounder who boasts a first‑class average of 67.75. With the match slated for October 20‑24, the series carries weight for both sides as they gear up for the 2027 ICC World Test Championship.
Background to the Test Series
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have only met once in Test cricket before, a 2022 clash in Sharjah that ended in a 209‑run win for the Afghans. Since then, both nations have used limited‑overs games to bridge the gap, but a full‑length Test offers a different test of skill, stamina, and strategy. The upcoming fixture is part of Afghanistan’s broader tour of Zimbabwe, which also includes a three‑match T20I series from October 26 to November 2. For Zimbabwe, the Test comes just weeks after qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a milestone that lifted morale after a difficult spell in the longer format.
Zimbabwe's Squad and Key Selections
The 16‑player roster blends experience with youthful promise. Veteran Brendan Taylor, a former captain and prolific top‑order batsman, returns at age 39, bringing a calm that may steadier the middle order. All‑rounder Sikandar Raza and pace spearhead Blessing Muzarabani, who still boasts swing at 28. New starter Tinotenda Maposa could make his Test debut, adding depth to the fast‑bowling contingent.
Notably omitted were long‑time stalwarts Sean Williams and wicket‑keeper Clive Madande, suggesting a shift toward a more aggressive, youth‑focused line‑up. The selection panel, chaired by former wicket‑keeper Tatenda Taibu, cited “form‑based criteria” after the domestic Logan Cup wrapped on October 14.
Afghanistan's Line‑up and Strategic Moves
The ACB’s squad mirrors a similar blend. Left‑arm pacer Bashir Ahmad retains his spot, while newcomers Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi and Sharafuddin Ashraf add fresh pace and spin options. Spin‑guru Khalil Gurbaz impressed in Afghanistan’s domestic red‑ball season, earning a call‑up alongside all‑rounder Shahidullah Kamal. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the decision to rest Rashid Khan, the world‑famous leg‑spinner, to manage his workload ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
Afghanistan also listed a reserve pool featuring fast bowler Ibrahim Abdulrahimzai and talented batters Sediqullah Atal and Shams Ur Rahman. The ACB emphasized that the squad is “built for the long haul”, aiming to fine‑tune skills ahead of the 2027 World Test Championship cycle.
Venue, Officials and Match Logistics
Harare Sports Club, situated at 100 George Silundika Avenue, has hosted 21 Tests since its debut in 1993. The ground’s pitch historically favors seamers early on, with the spin duo often taking over in the final days. International Cricket Council‑appointed umpires Joel Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago and England’s veteran Richard Illingworth will officiate, while Pakistani official Ahmed Shahab serves as match referee.
The Test will run from 10:00 am local time, with a reserve day built in for each of the five scheduled days. Ticket sales opened on October 18, and early‑bird packages are already sold out, reflecting strong local interest after the recent T20 World Cup qualification.
Implications for Future International Cricket
Beyond the immediate result, this match is a litmus test for both teams ahead of the 2027 ICC World Test Championship. Zimbabwe hopes to translate its limited‑overs confidence into the longer format, while Afghanistan seeks to prove that its meteoric rise in ODIs and T20Is can be sustained in Tests.
Analysts note that a strong performance from Zimbabwe could boost their ICC Test ranking and attract more bilateral series, especially with the upcoming 2026‑27 home season already promising fixtures against South Africa and England. For Afghanistan, a competitive showing without Rashid Khan may demonstrate depth in their bowling attack, a crucial factor as they aim to secure a spot in the next World Test Championship final.
Key Facts
- Match: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan – one‑off Test
- Dates: October 20‑24, 2025
- Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare
- Zimbabwe captain: Craig Ervine
- Afghanistan’s notable omission: Rashid Khan
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Test important for Zimbabwe's World Test Championship hopes?
A win or a strong showing would improve Zimbabwe's ICC Test ranking, giving them better leverage for future series and a chance to earn points toward the 2027 World Test Championship cycle.
What does Rashid Khan's rest mean for Afghanistan?
Resting the star leg‑spinner protects his longevity and signals that Afghanistan is developing a deeper bowling pool; younger pacers like Bashir Ahmad will shoulder more responsibility.
How might Antum Naqvi's inclusion affect Zimbabwe's batting line‑up?
Naqvi’s first‑class average of 67.75 and recent centuries for Zimbabwe ‘A’ give the team a technically sound, left‑handed option in the middle order, potentially stabilising partnerships after early wickets.
When was the last time Zimbabwe played a Test before this match?
Zimbabwe’s previous Test series was a tour of New Zealand in December 2024, where they lost both matches by large margins.
What are the chances of a draw at Harare Sports Club?
Historically, 7 of the 21 Tests at Harare have ended in draws, thanks to a pitch that flattens out after the third day, making a result possible but not guaranteed.
1 Comment
Write a comment
Recent Posts
Categories
About
Daily Africa Global News offers a comprehensive source for the latest African news updates catering to readers globally. Stay informed with our daily insights into current events across the African continent. From North to South and East to West, Daily Africa Global News covers political, economic, cultural, and social news, ensuring you are fully updated. With a focus on reliability and depth, our coverage aims to connect the dots between Africa and the global scene, making us your prime destination for African news.
DN Kiri (Gajen) Phangcho
October 20, 2025 AT 22:40Craig Ervine is taking a big step for Zimbabwe.
The team needs his calm leadership.
The squad mixes veterans and youngsters.
Brendan Taylor still has the skill to anchor innings.
Sikandar Raza adds balance with bat and ball.
The fast bowlers have to exploit the early seam on the Harare pitch.
Tinotenda Maposa could surprise the opposition.
The omission of Sean Williams signals a new direction.
Young Antum Naqvi brings a high average and confidence.
The ACB rest of Rashid Khan shows they think long term.
Afghanistan will rely on Bashir Ahmad and new pacers.
The spin duo may dominate later days.
Test cricket tests stamina and technique.
Both sides see this as a chance to climb the rankings.
A good performance could lead to more series.
Fans are excited for a result.
The reserve day adds safety for rain.
Players must adapt quickly.
The match will shape the 2027 World Test Championship hopes.