(BCCI Photo)
Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani eagerly anticipates the upcoming five-match T20I series against India starting July 6 in Harare. He emphasized the importance of not underestimating any opponent but highlighted the challenge of dismissing Shubman Gill, a promising talent and captain of the young Indian team making his debut in national side captaincy. Gill’s leadership and batting prowess will be pivotal for India in the series against Zimbabwe in Harare.
I do give Shubman Gill a lot of respect with the ball: Blessing Muzarabani
When questioned about targeting India’s interim captain, the Zimbabwean pacer recognized Shubman Gill’s stature and achievements in international cricket. However, Muzarabani stressed that he takes each wicket as it comes and does not fixate on any individual player. His primary objective remains contributing to Zimbabwe’s success in the upcoming T20I series against Team India.
Blessing Muzarabani was quoted as saying by India Today: “I think I’m a bit different from probably some of the other bowlers. I do give Shubman Gill a lot of respect because he’s already performed well in international cricket. He’s actually a big name in the cricket world. But as for me, I just take every wicket as it comes, actually. So, I don’t really look at any players and want to make any bunnies or anything like that.”
Muzarabani aims to bolster Zimbabwe’s home T20I campaign by playing his role effectively, irrespective of the opponents he encounters. While acknowledging Gill’s talent and standing, Muzarabani’s focus remains on executing his team’s game plan and securing victories for Zimbabwe.
The goal is to win the game for Zimbabwe: Blessing Muzarabani
He signed off by saying, “The goal is to win the game for Zimbabwe. Either take a wicket or don’t take the wicket. So, it’s just all about us as a team and trying to do what’s required for me to win the game. So, I’m not really looking at the names. Either I get them out or I don’t. If I get them out, it’s good for the team. So that’s just how I look at it. But, of course, Shubman is a good player. It’d be really nice to get him out.”
Harare is set to host its first T20I of 2024 with the series opener against India, followed by four more matches in the same venue. Historically, first-inning scores have been moderate, with only five out of the last 12 T20Is seeing totals over 150 runs.
Spinners have excelled in these matches, claiming 69 wickets at an average of 19.71 and an economy rate of 6.6, while pacers have taken 80 wickets at an average of 25.92 with an economy rate of 7.82 in Harare. The weather forecast for the first T20I is promising, with no rain expected and temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius.
