Kian and Michael Blignaut, the twin sons of former Zimbabwe all-rounder Andy, both struck half-centuries for the U19 national team in their ongoing ODI series.
Zimbabwe U19 faced off against Ireland in the fourth Youth ODI on Thursday (April 10) in Harare. After being put in to bat, the visitors posted 241-6, courtesy of Adam Leckey (88) and Sebastian Dijkstra (62), who put on 138 runs after they were reduced to 91-4.
4th Youth ODI, Zimbabwe Under-19 vs Ireland Under-19
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In reply, Zimbabwe opener Leeroy Chiwaula scored a patient 77, and put on 83 for the second wicket with skipper Simbarashe Mudzengerere (37). After Chiwaula was the third wicket to fall, it was No.4 batter Michael Blignaut (60*) who took Zimbabwe over the line in 45.5 overs.
Who are the Blignaut brothers?
Michael is the son of former Zimbabwe pace bowling all-rounder Andy Blignaut, who played 19 Tests, 54 ODIs and one T20I between 1999 and 2010. A handy lower-order bat, Andy was well-known for his aggressiveness with the bat – striking at 106.3 in ODI cricket, and 145.9 in all T20 cricket. He also scored over 2,000 runs and took over 100 wickets in first-class cricket.
Michael's knock today was his second in Youth ODIs, having debuted in the first match of this series on April 3. Also debuting in that match was Andy's other son, Kian – Michael's twin.
In fact, Kian was the first of the two brothers to reach a batting milestone for Zimbabwe U19s. In the second match of the series on April 5, he scored 68 off 98 batting at No.3, top-scoring for the side as they were bowled out for 260 in the first innings.
Interestingly, Kian batted at No.3 in the first three matches, before sitting out the fourth. Michael did not bat even after Zimbabwe lost six wickets in the first match and came in at No.8 in the second, before sitting out the third match. When his brother went out of the side, Michael was promoted straight to No.4.
Both brothers also bowled on debut, Michael picking up a wicket while Kian is still searching for his first. Michael struck in this match as well, bowling Sebastian Yeates. Neither one has taken after their father, as Michael bowls off spin and Kian leg spin.
There is no reliable source available for the twins' age, but an interview from March 2010 places them at one year old, which would make them 16 now.
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