TAPIWA Mufudza is a name that may not ring a bell for many cricket fans outside Zimbabwe, but he is one of the most prolific and consistent bowlers in the domestic circuit.
The off-spinner has been playing First-Class cricket since 2011 and has taken 167 wickets at an average of 28.97, including six five-wicket hauls and a best of 7 for 31.
Mufudza was recently named National Premier League bowler of the tournament for his 30 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 11.63.
The Takashinga Patriots 1 player helped the fading giants to reclaim their place as Kings of club cricket in Zimbabwe after they were crowned 2023 NPL champions.
In the past season he was also the best bowler in the Logan Cup, Zimbabwe’s First Class competition. He took 29 wickets in 14 innings at an average of 26.55.
However, despite his consistent performances and potential, Mufudza has never been given a chance to play for the national team in any format. He has been overlooked by the selectors time and again, even when Zimbabwe have struggled to find quality spinners in recent years.
Mufudza started his cricket journey at Mbizi Primary School in Highfield, Harare and then joined Takashinga Cricket Club.
“Bonzo” as Mufudza is affectionately known, is a serial winner and has won trophies for every domestic team he has played for.
“Bonzo” announced himself on the domestic scene in the 2012-13 season, when he topped the national First-Class bowling averages with 13 wickets at 14.92.
The media-shy, Bonnzo also played a key role in Mountaineers’ triumph in the Zimbabwean T20 competition, taking four for 14 in the final against Mashonaland Eagles and winning the man of the match award.
He has had stints in England playing club cricket. It was after his first season of playing club cricket in England in 2014 that he came back and took his career-best figures of seven for 31 against Mid West Rhinos in December 2014.
Mufudza also made his debut for Zimbabwe A against Canada in January the following year and took two wickets.
The spinner is a humble and hardworking cricketer who has never complained about his lack of opportunities.
He has always focused on his game and tried to perform well for his team.
Speaking to Mufudza one gets the sense that he is tired of being asked the same question.
“What must you do to play for national team in any format?”
He speaks more of what he is in control of, that is to take wickets.
“I can only do what I know best, that is to take wickets, the rest is up to the selectors,” Mufudza told EnterSportNews.
He was part of the Eagles team that won the Logan Cup in 2020-21, taking 15 wickets at 23.53. He has also been working on his fitness and variations to improve his game.
Mufudza celebrated his 33rd birthday last week and has not given up hope on representing Zimbabwe in one of the formats if not all of them.
“I believe that I still have a lot to offer to Zimbabwe cricket and hope to get a chance to prove myself at the highest level,” said the Highfields born spinner.
“I am inspired by the likes of Rangana Herath and Graeme Swann, who made their international debuts late in their careers and went on to become world-class spinners.”
Closer to home, fellow off-spinner John Nyumbu made his International debut at the age of 29 when everybody had written him off and he took a five-wicket haul on his Test debut against South Africa.
Mufudza is a cricketer who deserves more recognition and respect for his achievements and contributions to Zimbabwe cricket.
He signed off on a spiritual note: “If God wants me to play for my country, nothing can derail those plans,” he declared.
