Cricket

Naqvi debuts, Cremer returns as Zimbabwe bat in opening Test

SHARJAH — Zimbabwe stand-in captain Brian Bennett won the toss and opted to bat first against Afghanistan in the opening Test at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, setting the stage for a match filled with significant milestones and return stories.

With regular skipper Richard Ngarava sidelined due to an ongoing back injury, Bennett had no hesitation in taking first use of the pitch. Expressing confidence in his batting lineup, Bennett pointed out that the Sharjah surface could deteriorate as the game progresses.

"The wicket might tear up later on in the Test match, so I think the first session is going to be important for us, but I think if we can get through that, we'll put on a decent total," Bennett said at the toss.

Historic Debut and a Nine-Year Return

The major talking point for Zimbabwe is the long-awaited debut of 27-year-old Antum Naqvi. Born in Belgium with Pakistani heritage and raised in Australia, Naqvi has earned his opportunity following stellar domestic performances, carrying a remarkable first-class average of 60.35. He etched his name into local cricket history in 2024 by becoming the first player to score a triple-century in Zimbabwe domestic cricket, smashing an unbeaten 300 for the Mid-West Rhinos against the Tuskers.

Alongside Naqvi's debut, leg-spinner Graeme Cremer makes a headline-grabbing comeback to international cricket. The 40-year-old veteran returns to the Test arena nearly nine years after playing his last Test match back in December 2017, adding vast experience to Zimbabwe's spin attack on a track expected to turn.

Afghanistan Aim for Consistency

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah admitted he would have also opted to bat had the toss gone his way, but remained optimistic about taking the field first. Afghanistan handed a Test debut of their own to middle-order batter Rahmanullah.

"We are in good form and want to keep continuing," Rahmat Shah noted. "We will just try to bowl in one channel and according to the field. We want to show the consistency level."

Team Lineups

Afghanistan XI:

Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Shahidullah, Rahmat Shah (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rahmanullah, Qais Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad Saleem.

Zimbabwe XI:

Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett (c), Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Antum Naqvi, Wessly Madhevere, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Graeme Cremer, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani.