On his Test debut, he took five wickets in the first innings against Bangladesh in Bulawayo in 2001. Blignaut took a hat-trick against Bangladesh in a Test match at Harare on 22 February 2004. He is the only bowler to take a Test hat-trick for Zimbabwe.

Like Travis Friend and Henry Olonga before him, Blignaut was one of the few Zimbabwean bowlers who could exceed 90mph. In a land full of medium-fast bowlers, Blignaut (on his day) formed a lethal opening combination with the dependable Heath Streak, and often rushed the batsmen for pace off the wicket. In an ODI against England at Durham in 2003, he bowled a delivery at 93mph to Andrew Flintoff, but he conceded nearly 10 runs an over, getting neither his line nor his length right. He had the ability to win or lose a game within the space of a few overs.

After playing the series against New Zealand and India in 2005, he withdrew from Zimbabwe selection because he had not been paid.

His ODI strike-rate is over 100, with a high score of 63 not out, and an average of just 19. His bowling average is just above 41, with best bowling figures of 4/43, and an economy of 5.34. He was also a fine fielder.

In the Australian season 2004-05, Blignaut was contracted to play for Tasmania. Injury and poor form prevented him from playing all but a couple of games for the state. He even struggled to make an impact at club level. Eventually he returned to Zimbabwe to re-join the Test side. The second year of his contract with Tasmania was cancelled.

He signed a contract with South African domestic side Highveld Lions for 2006 season. After 2006, he disappear from cricket for a few years before returning in 2010 for a few matches for Zimbabwe.

He works in the family business in South Africa and Zimbabwe.