The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
IN 10 years, when Kane Williamson has retired to become a surfer, Steve Smith a folk singer and Virat Kohli the star of an eight-season documentary on his life, who are the players who might be bossing Test cricket? That was a question posed by reputable online cricket website ESPNcricinfo, as a string of their panellists ran through some of the most promising youngsters under the age of 25 tipped to dominate the game a decade from now.
Among names on that list were man-of-the-moment and Afghanistan vice captain Rashid Khan, England’s Sam Curran and Ollie Pope, and New Zealand Test breakout star Rachin Ravindra.
However, the one name likely to have caught the eye of many here is that of Zimbabwe’s own Blessing Muzarabani.
Coupled with a recent call-up to the Pakistan Super League, specifically the Multan Sultan, the future looks bright for the 24-year-old pace bowler.
However, he prefers to turn a blind eye to all the showers of praise and solely focus on improving his game.
Mabhunu, as he is affectionately known within cricket circles, wants to become the best version of himself.
“To be honest with you, I don’t really look at those things,” quipped Muzarabani when the issue of the article was brought up.
“While flattering, I don’t even think about it.
“My goal right now is just to work on my game and be the best player that I can be.
“If, and when, I bowl, I want to bowl the best I can for my team.
“And, if people want to select me for special teams, or mention, then they can go right ahead.
“I just don’t pay too much attention to it,” he said.
The seamer is spending most of his time either in the nets or in the gym.
“I haven’t been doing much (since the Pakistan tour) aside from working on my fitness.
“I have clocked a lot of hours in the gym and have been doing a lot of running.”
Memories of the Pakistan visit still haunt him, as he, together with his teammates, believe Zimbabwe should have done better. While the Chevrons did manage to get that much-needed win, a historic 19-run victory during the second Twenty20 International, the rest of the tour was a complete disaster.
Pakistan went on to win the T20 series 2-1 and then swept the Chevrons 2-0 in the Tests. The latter came with innings defeats (116 and 147 runs respectively), much to the chagrin of the Chevrons family.
“Everyone wanted to win, but things didn’t go our way.
“Now, we have to learn from that series, and learn fast, and then move on.
“We are all looking forward to our next tour and hope to perform better,” said the lanky pace bowler.
With a visit by Bangladesh and a trip to Ireland on the horizon, there is little time to waste.
However, Mabhunu hopes playing in the Pakistan Super League for Multan Sultan will lead to bigger and better offers from the Indian Premier League or Big Bash.
“I was happy when they reached out to me. “The goal now is to get some game time in the actual tournament, as it could lead to bigger and better things.
“I would love to play in the big leagues, just so I can get as much experience and exposure as I can.
“My main goal is just to improve and be the best that I can be.”
