Halim played in last year's Under 19 World Cup in Bangladesh, making 68 against Scotland, 34 against Australia and 38 against Pakistan.

He is at college in London, but works three days a week at the Aziz Restaurant, Cowley Road where Oxford batsman Ian Crosby discovered him.

Skipper Pat Jobson said: "He has not played a game yet, but he has had some nets and looks a good player."

He comes into the side with Indian all-rounder Ronak Sekhri unavailable, and there is also a debut for John Williams, with Mohson Rana dropping down to the 2nd XI.

Opening batsman Chris Smith is back for Banbury's big clash with Henley at White Post Road.

The Cardiff University student missed Banbury's opening three-wicket win at Reading last week.

However, he has already shown he is in good form as he made 62 for Cardiff UCCE last month against a Glamorgan attack, which included England pacemen Simon Jones and Alex Wharf.

He comes into the side in place of Steve Beck, who drops down to the 2nd XI, with Paul Taylor moving down to No 5.

Banbury, runners-up last year, go into the game against the reigning champions full of confidence.

Skipper Richard Kaufman said: "I think we have a winning habit. People expect to win matches when we go out on the field now and when we lose it is a surprise."

Henley, who went down by eight wickets at home to High Wycombe last week, are without in-form batsman Mark Bredell, who is moving house. Charlie Langley takes his place.