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Blessing Muzarabani, born on 2nd October 1996 in Murewa, Zimbabwe, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the world of cricket. Standing tall at 6 feet 8 inches, Muzarabani is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler. His towering height and impressive pace have made him a formidable force in the cricketing arena, especially for the Zimbabwean national side. With his debut in the international cricket scene in 2017, Muzarabani has since then showcased his skills and potential, making significant contributions to his team's successes.
Blessing Muzarabani's journey into the world of cricket began in the small town of Murewa in Zimbabwe. However, it was after his family's move to Highfield, a suburb in Harare, that his cricketing aspirations took a more serious turn. At the tender age of seven, Muzarabani started his cricket training at the Takashinga Cricket Club. It was here that his innate talent was first recognised by coaches who saw the potential in the young lad.
His dedication and hard work soon paid off when, in 2017, he was selected by Tatenda Taibu for the Rising Stars Academy. This selection provided Muzarabani with the golden opportunity to tour England for three months, an experience that would prove invaluable in shaping his cricketing career. His performance during this tour and subsequent matches caught the attention of many, paving the way for his entry into the domestic cricket scene.
Muzarabani's domestic career saw him playing for teams like the Rising Stars, Northamptonshire, Mashonaland Eagles, and the Multan Sultans. In December 2020, he was chosen to play for the Southern Rocks in the 2020–21 Logan Cup. His performance in the domestic circuit was commendable, with him playing crucial roles in several matches. For instance, during the 2021 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Muzarabani played six matches and took ten wickets, helping his team clinch their first PSL title.
His consistent performance in the domestic circuit did not go unnoticed. In December 2017, Muzarabani was named in Zimbabwe's squad for their one-off Test against South Africa. This marked the beginning of his international career, a journey that would see him donning the Zimbabwean jersey in various formats of the game, from Tests to ODIs and T20Is.
Blessing Muzarabani's ascent in international cricket was meteoric. His debut for the Zimbabwean national side came in December 2017, where he was named in the squad for their one-off Test against South Africa. This debut match took place in the Boxing Day Test on 26th December 2017. His introduction to the One Day International (ODI) format was shortly after, in January 2018, during the tri-series in Bangladesh. Muzarabani made his mark in the ODI against Bangladesh on 15th January 2018. Not stopping there, he was also named in Zimbabwe's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for their series against Afghanistan in the UAE, making his T20I debut on 5th February 2018.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognised Muzarabani's talent and potential, naming him as the rising star of Zimbabwe's squad following the conclusion of the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament. However, in August 2018, Muzarabani decided to take a hiatus from international cricket for Zimbabwe, expressing his desire to further his cricketing career in England. This decision led him to sign a three-year deal with an English side as a Kolpak player. Nevertheless, his love for his homeland and national pride saw him return to play for Zimbabwe after his stint in County Cricket.
Throughout his international career, Muzarabani has delivered several standout performances. One of the most memorable moments came on 3rd November 2020, during the third match against Pakistan. Muzarabani showcased his bowling prowess by taking his first five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. Such performances not only solidified his position in the team but also made him a player to watch out for among oppositions.
Another testament to his skill and talent was evident when he was a significant factor in several matches during the 2021 Pakistan Super League (PSL). Playing six matches, Muzarabani took ten wickets, contributing significantly to his team's triumph in clinching their first PSL title.
Muzarabani's statistics provide a clear picture of his consistency and contribution to the game:
Test Matches: In 6 matches, he bowled 1015 balls, conceding 473 runs and taking 19 wickets. His best bowling figures in an innings stand at 4/48, with an average of 24.89 and a strike rate of 53.4.
ODIs: Over 42 matches, he bowled 2054 balls, giving away 1763 runs and claiming 54 wickets. His best performance in an ODI is 5/49, with an average of 32.64 and a strike rate of 38.0.
T20Is: In 34 matches, he delivered 750 balls, with 990 runs scored against him, taking wickets at an average of 23.57 and a strike rate of 17.8. His best figures in this format are 3/21.
First-Class Matches: Over 23 matches, he has bowled 2985 balls, conceding 1577 runs and scalping 68 wickets. His best figures in an innings are 5/32, with an impressive average of 23.19 and a strike rate of 43.8.
These statistics not only highlight Muzarabani's talent but also his ability to adapt and perform across different formats of the game.
In terms of records, while he might not have broken world records, Muzarabani has set benchmarks for himself and upcoming Zimbabwean cricketers. His consistent performances have made him one of the go-to bowlers for Zimbabwe, especially in crunch situations.
Blessing Muzarabani's journey in the world of cricket is filled with personal highlights that have not only shaped his career but also made him a household name in Zimbabwe and among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Takashinga Cricket Club: Muzarabani's initiation into cricket began at the Takashinga Cricket Club. It was here that his raw talent was first spotted, laying the foundation for his future in the sport. The club has played a pivotal role in his development as a cricketer, providing him with the necessary training and exposure.
Rising Stars Academy: One of the significant turning points in Muzarabani's career was his selection by Tatenda Taibu for the Rising Stars Academy. This opportunity allowed him to tour England for three months, an experience that honed his skills and introduced him to international standards of cricket.
Kolpak Deal: In a surprising move, Muzarabani decided to make himself unavailable for Zimbabwe in August 2018, aiming to further his cricketing career in England. He signed a three-year deal as a Kolpak player, a decision that showcased his ambition to compete at the highest levels and gain more exposure.
Return to Zimbabwe: Demonstrating his commitment to his homeland, Muzarabani returned to play for Zimbabwe after his stint in County Cricket. This move was welcomed by fans and the cricketing community, reinforcing his dedication to Zimbabwean cricket.
Not Just a Bowler: While Muzarabani is primarily known for his bowling prowess, he is a capable batsman. His right-handed batting style has come to Zimbabwe's rescue on several occasions, making him a valuable all-round player.
Muzarabani's towering height of 6 feet 8 inches gives him a distinctive advantage as a fast bowler, allowing him to extract extra bounce from the pitch.
He hails from Murewa, a small town in Zimbabwe, showcasing that talent can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Muzarabani's decision to return to Zimbabwean cricket after his Kolpak deal is a testament to his loyalty and love for his country.
Blessing Muzarabani's journey in international cricket is a tale of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the sport. From his early days in Murewa to making a mark on the international stage, Muzarabani has showcased his talent and potential at every step. His personal highlights, from the Takashinga Cricket Club to the Rising Stars Academy and his Kolpak deal, reflect his ambition and drive to excel. Moreover, his decision to return to Zimbabwean cricket after gaining international exposure speaks volumes about his character and love for his homeland.
Muzarabani's story serves as an inspiration for many young cricketers, proving that with determination and the right opportunities, one can achieve great heights. As he continues to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage, fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await more stellar performances from this young prodigy. His journey reaffirms the belief that talent, when nurtured and provided with the right opportunities, can shine brightly, irrespective of where it originates.
FAQs
When did Blessing Muzarabani make his international debut for Zimbabwe?
Muzarabani made his Test debut for Zimbabwe against South Africa on 26th December 2017.
What is Blessing Muzarabani's height?
Muzarabani stands tall at 6 feet 8 inches.
Which cricket club did Muzarabani start his training with?
He began his cricket training at the Takashinga Cricket Club.
Did Muzarabani play cricket in England?
Yes, he signed a three-year Kolpak deal to play in England but later returned to play for Zimbabwe.
Is Muzarabani only a bowler?
While primarily known for his bowling, Muzarabani is also a right-handed batsman.
