13 Facts about Mpumelelo Mbangwa: The ace Zimbabwean commentator

Zimbabwe, regardless of their recent poor performances, has always been a fighting team. They have from time to time (if not regularly) produced players of high calibre. And, fast bowler Mpumelelo Mbangwa is one of them. ‘Pommie’ Mbangwa was a part of Zimbabwean cricket’s golden era from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Unfortunately, he couldn’t enjoy a long stint as a player but smoothly transitioned into cricket media. His commentary skill are highly appreciated and is currently counted among one of the most respected ones in the profession.

1. Born on:

Mpumelelo Mbangwa  was born on 26 June 1976 in the small town of Plumtree in Zimbabwe.

2. A keen sportsman:

He played all sports available for choice including Rugby but soon realised that he had a great aptitude for cricket and stuck to the game.

3. Introduction to the game:

Pommie was first introduced to the game at the age of about ten, at the Rhodes Estate Preparatory School.

4. Early cricketing career:

Mbangwa received his early education from Matabeleland primary school and entered the school team at the age of 11. Later on, he played competitively in almost every cricketing tournaments during his junior school years.

5. The special influence:

Mbangwa moved to the Milton High School as a senior and concentrated primarily on cricket apart from playing rugby. His housemaster, Mr Ian Kemp, took a special interest in him. Mr. Kemp can be regarded as the first of the individuals who helped the young fast bowler hone his skills. He helped Mbangwa groom his bowling action and was a mentor during his playing days as well.

6. Speedy progress:

Pommie was selected for the Fawns, the national Under-15 Zimbabwe team (then Rhodesia), and also went on tour to Namibia with them.

7. International debut:

The international debut came as a surprise for his after he was selected for the tour of Pakistan in 1996. His opportunity arrived mainly due to the injury to frontline fast bowler Heath Streak and the unavailability of Eddo Brandes. He made his debut in the 2nd Test at Faisalabad on October 24. Zimbabwe lost the match by 10 wickets, but Mbangwa did well as picked up the wickets of Ijaz Ahmed and Wasim Akram in the first innings.

8. The unique statistical distinction:

He has a unique distinction in international cricket. He has exactly scored 34 runs overall in both ODIs and Tests!

9. Nickname:

He is popularly known as `Pom’ or `Pommie’ Mbangwa. He says that former Zimbabwe player Gavin Rennie was the one who dubbed him during their junior levels as everyone had trouble saying his first name

10. A bat with a giant hole:

Mbangwa has the lowest batting average (2.00) of all Test cricketers who have played a minimum of 20 innings.

11. Err…An opening batsman:

Pommie, ironically, opened the batting on some occasions during his teenage years and also has an innings of 113 in an inter-school match to his name at the age of 14; this remains his highest score in any class of cricket.

12. Life thereafter:

Mbangwa, after retiring from cricket, tried his hand at coaching but his stint was short-lived. Later, he made a transition to become a cricket commentator which became his identity.

13. Work outside cricket:

He takes active part in various awareness campaigns. He has been associated with the North Star Alliance as an ambassador, using cricket as a tool to raise awareness on Aids and HIV in Southern Africa.