Tawanda Mupariwa is a medium-pacer, who relies on accuracy but has the ability to swing the ball as well. He was left out of the Under-19 side, but that didn't deter his performance as he had a fine Logan Cup in 2003-04. That series got him the recognition and the selectors also picked him for the national team after the rebel players backed out of the Sri Lankan series.

During the 2006 tour of the West Indies, Mupariwa, started on the sidelines, but soon became the leader of the attack. Then coach Kevin Curran, named him as a fast learner and one of the positives to come out of the disastrous tour. In 2008, he became the fastest Zimbabwean to reach 50 ODI wickets, he got there in 28 games, nine fewer than Eddo Brandes. However, he was dropped in pursuit of some genuine fast bowlers.

In 2014, Mupariwa had a decent First-Class season with both bat and ball, that allowed him to regain his place in the side after a gap of five years. He was named in the World Cup squad.

By Akshay Maanay