Brian Bennett to captain Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Tests in UAE
Synopsis
With regular skipper Richard Ngarava sidelined by a back injury, Brian Bennett steps up to captain Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series against Afghanistan at Sharjah — a first for the young player and a credible continuation of a squad that produced Zimbabwe's biggest-ever Test win just months ago.
Key Takeaways
Brian Bennett named captain for Zimbabwe's two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the UAE , replacing injured Richard Ngarava .
The series opens on 5 November and concludes on 13 November , both matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium .
Pace bowler Tanaka Chivanga is also unavailable through injury.
Veterans Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine stayed in the UAE after the ODI tri-series to prepare for the red-ball assignment.
All-rounder Antum Naqvi earns a first Test call-up after fulfilling ICC eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.
The squad includes core members from Zimbabwe's record innings-and-85-run win over Bangladesh in June 2026 .
Brian Bennett will lead Zimbabwe in the two-match Test series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after regular skipper Richard Ngarava was ruled out with a back injury. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced the 17-member squad ahead of the series opener on 5 November at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Key Developments
The two-Test series will get underway on 5 November, with the second game scheduled from 13 November — both at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah. The assignment concludes Zimbabwe's extensive tour of the UAE, which has already included an ODI tri-series involving Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as well as a T20I series against Afghanistan.
Alongside Ngarava, fellow pace bowler Tanaka Chivanga is also unavailable due to injury, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket.
Squad Composition and Experience
Bennett will have considerable batting firepower at his disposal. Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine remained in the UAE after the ODI tri-series to begin red-ball preparations, joining Innocent Kaia, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani, and Wessly Madhevere in the batting group.
Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has rejoined the squad specifically for the Test matches, providing specialist spin cover alongside Vincent Masekesa and Wellington Masakadza. All-rounder Antum Naqvi earns a call-up after meeting ICC eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe.
Pace Attack and New Faces
Blessing Muzarabani leads the pace bowling options, supported by Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Kundai Matigimu, and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku. Both Matigimu and Masekesa return to the Test fold in this selection cycle. Wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga is also included in the squad.
Context: Zimbabwe's Momentum
The squad retains a significant core from the group that produced Zimbabwe's biggest-ever Test victory — a win by an innings and 85 runs over Bangladesh at the Harare Sports Club in June. That historic result provides a foundation of confidence ahead of a series that will test their depth without their frontline captain.
Notably, this is the first time Bennett will lead Zimbabwe in Test cricket, marking a step up for the young player as the side navigates an injury-hit leadership situation. The series represents a final opportunity to consolidate the red-ball form Zimbabwe have developed in 2026.
Full Squad
Brian Bennett (captain), 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, Wessly Madhevere.
Point of View
But one that places an uncapped player under immediate Test-match scrutiny.
NationPress
4 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Brian Bennett captaining Zimbabwe instead of Richard Ngarava?
Regular captain Richard Ngarava has been ruled out of the Afghanistan Test series with a back injury, handing Brian Bennett his first Test captaincy assignment. Pace bowler Tanaka Chivanga is also unavailable due to injury.
Where and when will the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test series be played?
Both Tests will be played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, UAE. The first Test begins on 5 November and the second from 13 November 2026.
Who are the key players in Zimbabwe's squad for the Afghanistan Tests?
Experienced batters Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine provide the backbone, while Blessing Muzarabani leads the pace attack. Veteran leg-spinner Graeme Cremer has rejoined for the Tests, and all-rounder Antum Naqvi earns a call-up after meeting ICC eligibility criteria.
What is the significance of this series for Zimbabwe cricket?
The series caps an extensive UAE tour and comes on the back of Zimbabwe's record Test win — an innings-and-85-run victory over Bangladesh in June 2026. It offers the squad a chance to build red-ball consistency in the absence of their frontline captain.
Who is Antum Naqvi and why is his inclusion notable?
Antum Naqvi is an all-rounder who has been included in the Zimbabwe Test squad after meeting the ICC eligibility criteria to represent Zimbabwe. His selection reflects Zimbabwe Cricket's efforts to broaden the national talent pool.
