Blessing Muzarabani’s stunning 9-wicket haul powers Zimbabwe to a memorable away Test win over Bangladesh. What made his spell so effective?
Among the top 15 ICC Test bowlers, a Zimbabwean pacer has broken into the list. Meet Blessing Muzarabani, who, with 705 Ratings, is placed 15th in the Test bowlers’ list, which is topped by India’s Jasprit Bumrah. It was Muzarabani’s 9/122 against Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test that saw him break the 700-rating barrier. His performance saw Zimbabwe post a rare Test win away.
What made Muzarabani broke through the list of top 15 Test bowlers?
On a spin-friendly wicket of the Sylhet Test, Muzarabani broke the back of Bangladesh’s batting line-up, taking 6 wickets in the second innings. His six wickets were among the top seven Bangladesh batters who had no answers to the extra pace, bounce and the hard lengths Muzarabani was bowling at them. Muzarabani also bowled the short balls effectively, dismissing a set batter in Najmul Hossain Shanto to hasten the end of Bangladesh’s innings. His short of a good length delivery to dismiss Mehidy Hasan Miraz was class written all over as extra pace and bounce saw the batter edge it behind.
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What makes this performance so special?
It was the third five-wicket haul for Muzarabani, and he raced to become the joint fastest Zimbabwean player to reach 50 Test wickets in terms of matches. The performance was praiseworthy as it came on a spin-friendly wicket against the likes of experienced Bangladesh batters who have rich experience of Test cricket. After Muzarabani’s spell saw Bangladesh being all out for 255 in the second innings, the Zimbabwean batters complemented the bowler’s effort by chasing down the target of 174 with three wickets to spare. Muzarabani walked away with the Man of the Match honours as Zimbabwe registered a rare away Test win.
What makes Muzarabani special?
Muzarabani is a tall, fiery, and skilled pace bowler with a few good variations up his sleeves. His high release point helps him generate extra bounce that makes batters commit mistakes. His short balls are targeted at the batter’s body, which makes it difficult for batters to get away with. He is also disciplined with his line and length, where his hard lengths are difficult to score off. Just 12 Tests old, Muzarabani is making all the right noises and is easily the most valuable Zimbabwean player.
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