![Zimbabwe players celebrate a wicket. [Source: @ZimCricketv/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1738861725348_Blessing_Muzarabani_7.jpg?type=mq)
Zimbabwe players celebrate a wicket. [Source: @ZimCricketv/X]
The first day of the first Test match between Zimbabwe and Ireland in Bulawayo witnessed players breaking decades-old record. Even before the first ball was bowled, Johnathan Campbell became only the second Zimbabwean player after Dave Houghton to be announced as a captain on Test debut.
After Campbell broke this 32-year-old record, fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani registered career-best bowling figures to play a titular role in bundling out Ireland for 260 in 56.4 overs. In doing so, the right-arm bowler became the first Zimbabwean pacer to pick seven wickets in a Test innings.
Until today, Douglas Hondo had held the record for the best bowling figures by a Zimbabwean pacer for a couple of decades. It is to be noted that Zimbabwe spin bowlers Paul Strang (8-109) and Sikandar Raza (7-58) have picked eight and seven wickets respectively in an innings in the past. Below are the best bowling figures among Zimbabwean pacers:
| Figures | Bowler | Opposition | Ground | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-58 | Blessing Muzarabani | Ireland | Bulawayo | 2024-25 |
| 6-59 | Douglas Hondo | Bangladesh | Dhaka | 2004-05 |
| 6-73 | Heath Streak | India | Harare | 2005-06 |
| 6-87 | Heath Streak | England | Lord’s | 2000 |
| 6-90 | Heath Streak | Pakistan | Harare | 1994-95 |
Opening the bowling after Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie (9) won the toss and chose to bat, the 28-year-old player dismissed Peter Moor (4) and Balbirnie in his first and third over respectively. In the same spell, Muzarabani also sent Harry Tector (0) and Paul Stirling (10) back to the pavilion as the visitors lost half their side within the first 10 overs.
Currently playing his 10th Test match, Muzarabani has picked 40 wickets at an average of 20.97. Currently, Heath Streak (11) holds the record for the fastest 50 Test wickets among Zimbabweans. With three innings remaining, Muzarabani could surpass him in the near future.
In spite of the format being entirely different, Muzarabani could end up bagging a maiden Indian Premier League contract if he continues to perform in this manner at the highest level. As of now, the closest he has come to the biggest T20 league in the world is working as a net bowler with Lucknow Super Giants three years ago.
What Are The Best Bowling Figures Among Pacers For Each Team?
| Team | Figures | Bowler | Opposition | Ground | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 5-79 | Nijat Masood | Bangladesh | Mirpur | 2023 |
| Australia | 8-24 | Glenn McGrath | Pakistan | Perth | 2004-05 |
| Bangladesh | 6-27 | Shahadat Hossain | South Africa | Mirpur | 2007-08 |
| England | 9-28 | George Lohmann | South Africa | Johannesburg | 1895-96 |
| India | 9-83 | Kapil Dev | West Indies | Ahmedabad | 1983-84 |
| Ireland | 5-13 | Tim Murtagh | England | Lord’s | 2019 |
| New Zealand | 9-52 | Richard Hadlee | Australia | Brisbane | 1985-86 |
| Pakistan | 9-86 | Sarfraz Nawaz | Australia | Melbourne | 1978-79 |
| South Africa | 8-53 | Goofy Lawrence | New Zealand | Johannesburg | 1961-62 |
| Sri Lanka | 8-83 | Ravi Ratnayeke | Pakistan | Sialkot | 1985-86 |
| West Indies | 8-29 | Colin Croft | Pakistan | Port of Spain | 1976-77 |
For the unversed, no fast bowler has ever picked a 10-wicket haul in an innings. All such three instances were achieved by spinners.
 "Bhargav Dixit")
