Mabhunu looks back on eventful year

26 Dec, 2021 - 00:12 0 Views
Mabhunu looks back  on eventful year Zimbabwe cricketer Blessing Muzarabani

The Sunday Mail

Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor

FOR those that have spent a minute in his company or engaged in a short conversation with him, many will probably attest to the fact that Blessing Muzarabani does not have mean bone in his body.

His comments on Namibia’s fairytale run during this year’s ICC Men T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman should, therefore, be taken as nothing more than ‘banter’.

“Yes, Namibia did well, but Zimbabwe will do better,” said the Lanky seamer bowler.

For those not in the know, Namibia had one of those feel-good runs during the tournament, going so far as to beat Ireland and progress to the Super 12 of the tournament.

Their grit, underdog status, and sheer determination forced all those watching to stand up and take notice during the tournament’s preliminary rounds.
Muzarabani, like many local Zimbabweans, found the whole tournament a bitter pill to swallow, and this was largely due to Zimbabwe’s suspension by the International Cricket Council in 2019.

On top of all ICC funding being withdrawn, Zimbabwe were barred from participating in all ICC events, including the T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

“Watching the tournament was a bit hard, as all I could think about was how I could have and should have been there,” said Mabhunu, as Muzarabani is called in cricket circles.

“However, life does go on and you have to start thinking about tomorrow. If we do get the opportunity to make it to the world cup, then we will have to make the best out of it,” he said.

Muzarabani did praise Namibia for the efforts during the tournament saying; “they played very well, and should be very proud.

World cup disappointment aside, Muzarabani did have a quiet year.
As part of the Multan Sultans, the 25-year-old won the Pakistan Super League title which, as it turned out was the first title of his career.

The win was one of a few highlights for the Chevrons’ bowler who also managed to meet, train and chat with his idol and Zimbabwe cricket legend Andy Flower.
Flower is the head coach of the Pakistan franchise, which has since retained Muzarabani’s services next season.

“I was happy we won the trophy, as it was the first trophy of my cricket career,” said Muzarabani.

“It made the win special, and I might even go as far as to say that was the biggest highlight of my year.
“I also met Andy (Flower), who is a great coach.

“I learned so much during my time in Pakistan, under Flower, and hope I can win something for my country next,” he said.

Muzarabani backed up his PSL with some solid performances for his country, so much so that he decided to slow down during the Christmas holidays.

Muzarabani will need to be fully rested as Zimbabwe has quite the schedule come 2022, with the Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League taking center stage.

Zimbabwe (25) currently anchors the table, albeit after having only played nine games, and will have their work cut out next year.

Barring any Covid-19 scares and delays, roughly 10 tours have been line-up for Zimbabwe next year.

Muzarabani still believes that Zimbabwe can turn it around and qualify for the 2023 Men Cricket World Cup in India.

“I am looking forward to the games, it’s always nice to have that many games, and hope Covid-19 won’t disturb our schedule,” said the lanky bowler.

“If I get the opportunity to play in all those games, I intend to make the most out of it.

“As far as our Super League campaign goes, I still believe we can qualify for the world cup.

“We just have to play our best cricket and keep believing.
“I am sure we will qualify,” he said.

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