HARARE - Richard Muzhange is a true athlete.

Apart from being a budding cricketer, he was selected to represent Zimbabwe at the Under-16 athletics (javelin) and U-20 basketball.

A medium-pacer, he took 3 for 37 against the Bangladesh Under-19s in an unofficial ODI in November 2009.

His favourite player is Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif for his consistent bowling style.

Muzhange was the surprise selection in Zimbabwe’s squad for the ICC World Twenty20, which begins in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

He is one of the secret weapons in Zimbabwe’s arsenal.

Aged just 21, Muzhange is one of the finest prospects to emerge out of Zimbabwean cricket in the last two seasons.

He came to the fore during the Pran IFL Twenty20 tri-series between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Bangladesh, which Zimbabwe one after beating a weakened but decent Proteas side by nine wickets in the final at Harare Sports Club.

Muzhange gave good backup to the frontline pace attack of Chris Mpofu and Kyle Jarvis to emerge as one of the stars of the tournament.

“Richard is exceptional in that he is able to find the blockhole at will,” said Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor after the hosts beat Bangladesh in one of the matches.

“He has got a great attitude and he just wants to keep learning and improving. He is just a keen kid who wants to get better,” enthused Taylor.” — Cricinfo/Staff Writer.