Islamabad, May 23, 2025: Standing tall at 6ft 8in, Blessing Muzarabani is more than just a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s cricket team, he’s fast becoming a key weapon in their bowling attack. With a gentle demeanor and a smile that rarely fades, Muzarabani lets the ball do the talking. And it speaks loudly.
At 28, Muzarabani is enjoying a remarkable run in Test cricket. In Zimbabwe’s first three matches this year, he claimed six wickets in an innings each time, a feat only four other seamers have managed in consecutive Tests. Names like Imran Khan and Malcolm Marshall join him on that elite list.
This week, Zimbabwe face England at Trent Bridge, their first Test meeting since 2003. A win would be historic. While the odds favour England, Muzarabani’s ability to shake top orders shouldn’t be underestimated. He’ll share the new ball with childhood friend Richard Ngarava, with whom he played street and school cricket in Harare.
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Raised through the ranks of Takashinga Cricket Club, a hub for young black cricketers in Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani began his journey at just six. He only began to see cricket as a career at 18, following a major growth spurt. By 21, he debuted against South Africa in 2017.
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His stint in England under the Kolpak system, including time with Northamptonshire, shaped him on and off the field. Despite injuries, Muzarabani absorbed valuable lessons from senior players and even took on roles interacting with sponsors, which built his confidence.
Now, with 51 Test wickets and counting, and an IPL deal with Royal Challengers Bengaluru lined up, Blessing Muzarabani is on the rise. Facing England, he says, “We believe in ourselves. We believe we can win.” With him leading the attack, Zimbabwe might just surprise the world.
