Zimbabwe elect to bat after making two changes for Afghanistan series

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah. Richard Ngarava was ruled out with a back injury and will miss the series. Graeme Cremer returns to the Test squad after close to nine years away.

Antum Naqvi received eligibility clearance before selection and is set to make his Test debut, forcing a change in the playing XI. The 27-year-old was born in Brussels and has scored 1,871 first-class runs at an average of 60.35 in 24 matches.

Zimbabwe won the previous Test series against Afghanistan by an innings and 85 runs in June. The second Test is scheduled from November 13 to 17 at the same venue.