Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLESSING Muzarabani is towering into the form of his life, and the world is finally taking notice.
The 6ft 8in Zimbabwean fast bowler, all arms, legs and rhythm, is putting together the kind of spellbinding run every pacer dreams of. In one red-hot stretch across four Tests this year, he’s bagged 26 wickets at 18.61, a haul that has him dreaming of Test cricket’s fabled milestones, whispering in the same breath as Malcolm Marshall, Imran Khan and Heath Streak.
And now, as Zimbabwe prepares for a historic return to Test cricket against England for the first time since 2003, Muzarabani stands on the cusp of greatness, eyeing the 100-wicket club, while also securing his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a dramatic career twist. “It would be really special to get to 100 wickets,” says the 28-year-old. “Test wickets are hard-earned. You don’t get them for free. So to reach that mark, especially as a fast bowler from Zimbabwe, would mean everything.”
It’s been anything but a smooth road to this point. Born and raised in Harare’s high-density suburbs, Muzarabani first learned to bowl on dusty club nets at Takashinga, dreaming of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, but with no great Zimbabwean fast bowling lineage to look up to.
Unlike peers from Australia or South Africa, he had to leave home to refine his craft, from Northamptonshire’s county grind to stints in Belfast, Abu Dhabi, Sylhet and beyond. His evolution is a study in determination.
“Sometimes I get carried away,” he laughs when asked about the temptation to bowl short. “But my greatest weapon is my height. I try to use it well, hitting that uncomfortable ribcage length. That’s my zone.”
That ribcage zone, bowled with steep bounce and venom, brought him hauls of 6/95, 7/58 and 6/73 in successive innings this year, the first pacer to record six-wicket hauls in three consecutive Tests since Malcolm Marshall in 1988. He now sits eighth on Zimbabwe’s all-time Test wicket list. With seven more Tests on the 2025 calendar, he could leapfrog Ray Price (80 wickets) and chase down the legendary Heath Streak’s mark of 216. But Muzarabani insists his focus isn’t on personal landmarks.
“I’m not really looking at wickets. For me, it’s about winning more games for Zimbabwe. That’s the real joy, making that impact for the team.”
That impact came alive in April, when Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh in Sylhet. Muzarabani took 9 wickets in the match, his most influential performance in years, and only his second Test win in 12 appearances.
“I feel like I’m understanding how I get my wickets now,” he says. “Working with (bowling coach) Charl Langeveldt has been massive. We talk about the right lengths for Test cricket. And I’ve had to learn that, not just through matches, but through struggle.”
Growing up, he learned to “hit the deck hard” because the pitches demanded it. In England, where he played for Northants as a Kolpak player, he learned the value of pitching fuller to get the ball moving.
“In England, you can get pulled if you go back of a length. But pitch it up too far, and you lose control. It’s a balance. I learned a lot there.”
That experience will be tested in full at Trent Bridge, a ground where swing once reigned and where James Anderson famously averaged under 20. Muzarabani, who played a pre-season there in his Northants days, knows the reputation.
“I’m looking forward to bowling there. I know the pitch. I just want to hit my lengths and challenge them. I’ve bowled to Ben Duckett before, back at Northants. He won’t sit back. Neither will Crawley. So you’ve got to stay in your lane. Don’t overthink. Just trust your plan.”
While he plots an English ambush, a twist of fate has opened another door: a call-up to the IPL.
Muzarabani has been signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a temporary replacement for South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi, who departs for WTC final preparations.
He’ll join RCB after the England Test for the final league match on May 27, potentially stepping into the world’s biggest T20 league for the first time.
“It’s a dream. I’ve been a net bowler in the IPL before but never played. Now to be part of it, and for a team like RCB, it’s massive.”
RCB, coached by fellow Zimbabwean Andy Flower, are already playoff bound. With Josh Hazlewood injured and Ngidi gone, Muzarabani could get a chance to make an immediate impact alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal.
“I’ve worked with Andy at Multan Sultans and at Gulf Giants. He knows my game. I’m comfortable. I just want to keep improving.”
His T20 record is solid: 127 wickets in 118 matches, economy 7.24. But he knows it’s his Test resurgence that’s truly caught the world’s eye.
Despite the lure of franchise cash, Muzarabani says his heart remains with the national team.
“Franchise cricket gives you money and exposure, but for me, playing for Zimbabwe is number one. Always has been.” In the middle of a career-defining year, with Tests against England, India, New Zealand and Pakistan ahead, he’s not short of motivation.
“We believe we can cause an upset. We’re not just here to make up the numbers. I really believe in this team.”
He also believes in his long-time bowling partner and friend, Richard Ngarava, with whom he shares a bond dating back to childhood.
“We were both nine or ten when we started playing. Richie knows my action. When I’m down, he lifts me. We pick each other up. That chemistry helps.” Together, they will lead Zimbabwe’s bowling charge at Trent Bridge in what Muzarabani calls the “greatest feeling ever.”
“I’m just looking forward to showing everyone what we can do. It’s a dream come true, playing England in England. The challenge is big. But so is our belief.”
