Richard Ngarava

Richard Ngarava is a new-age fiery fast-bowler who represents the Zimbabwe national cricket team with pride. However, the young left-arm seamer’s journey hasn’t been a cakewalk, least to say. 

Prior to making his international debut, Ngarava was part of Zimbabwe’s squad for the 2016 U-19 World Cup, where he was a subject of controversy. In a game against the West Indies, Zimbabwe needed 3 runs to win with just one wicket in hand in the last over. As the opposition bowler started delivering the first ball, Ngarava at the non-striker's end was out of his crease in pursuit of a quick single. As a result, Ngarva was controversially given out on the ‘Mankad’ decision, and the West Indies won the match by two runs.

Ngarava made his List-A debut playing for Zimbabwe A against Afghanistan A in the year 2017.

Following the List-A matches, the speedster was added to the Zimbabwe squad for the five-match ODI series against Afghanistan. 

The following year, he was named in Zimbabwe’s Test squad for the series against Bangladesh. However, he was ruled out of the series due to an injury. 

The Harare-born was included in the T20I squad for the 2019 Singapore Tri-Nation Series. He finally made his debut against Singapore, and even though he picked up 2 crucial wickets, the left-armer also conceded 48 runs in four overs.

Ngarava was then drafted into the Zimbabwe squad for the two-match Test series against Afghanistan scheduled in March 2021. However, he did not feature in any of the matches.

Ngarava's work ethic and discipline stood out in the 2021 international fixtures, where his ability to consistently hit the right areas saw him become a dependable partner to the more established bowlers in the team.

One of the defining moments of his year came in July 2021, during Zimbabwe’s home series against Bangladesh. Ngarava produced a pivotal performance in the ODI series, picking up key wickets in tight situations.

However, 2022 also presented challenges, as Ngarava was called upon to prove his adaptability in the longer format. In the 2022/23 Test season, he made a single appearance in a Test match, where his performance was a mixed one. Bowling 23 overs in the match, he conceded 88 runs, but unfortunately, he did not pick up a wicket. Despite this, the match served as a valuable experience for the young bowler. His ability to maintain pressure and control for long spells was evident, even though he didn’t register the wickets his hard work deserved.

The year truly belonged to Ngarava in the T20I format. He had a standout performance, taking 26 wickets in just 15 matches at a remarkable average of 12.1 and an economy rate of 5.63. His ability to break partnerships and provide breakthroughs at crucial moments was critical to Zimbabwe’s success in the shorter format. 

Ngarava also featured in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, contributing with the ball in Zimbabwe's efforts. Though specific statistics from the series are unavailable, Ngarava’s overall T20I economy rate of 5.63 in 2023 and 2024 continued to reflect his reliable performance in the shorter format.

Over the years, the left-arm seamer has become a potent weapon for the Chevrons, thanks to his experience in franchise leagues such as the Zim Afro T10. 

Ngarava’s franchise cricket involvement in 2025 further contributed to his development, as he gained valuable experience in various competitions. His performances across multiple formats, including T20s, helped him continue to evolve as a versatile bowler.

(As of March 2025)