By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been named in the Team of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following a series of outstanding performances with the ball.
Muzarabani earned his place in the prestigious XI as part of the tournament’s pace attack after playing a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s historic group-stage campaign.
The towering seamer delivered match-winning spells during Zimbabwe’s victories over Oman national cricket team, co-hosts Sri Lanka and heavyweights Australia.
The highlight of his tournament came in Zimbabwe’s stunning upset of Australia, where Muzarabani produced a sensational bowling performance, claiming four wickets for 17 runs to help secure one of the biggest wins of the competition.
Two South African players were also included in the Team of the Tournament, with Aiden Markram being named captain of the side while fellow fast bowler Lungi Ngidi joined the pace attack.
Tournament winners India dominated the selection with four players in the XI. Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament, was selected as wicketkeeper, alongside teammates Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.
From England, leg-spinner Adil Rashid was included along with teammate Will Jacks, who adds depth as a spin-bowling all-rounder and lower-order batter.
The all-rounder role in the team was filled by Jason Holder of the West Indies, while Pakistan’s top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan was selected to open the batting with Samson.
South Africa-born Shadley van Schalkwyk, now representing the United States of America, was named 12th man after impressing with the ball during the tournament.
The selection panel for the Team of the Tournament consisted of respected cricket figures including Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, and Eoin Morgan representing broadcasters, alongside International Cricket Council representative Gaurav Saxena and sports journalist Rex Clementine.
Muzarabani’s selection is another major milestone for Zimbabwe cricket and highlights the fast bowler’s growing reputation on the global stage.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament:
Sahibzada Farhan, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Aiden Markram (capt), Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Jason Holder, Jasprit Bumrah, Lungi Ngidi, Adil Rashid, Blessing Muzarabani.
12th player: Shadley van Schalkwyk.