What's new

[VIDEOS] Kwena Maphaka: The new face of South African pace bowling

If at such a young age he is bowling with that sort of pace, I am sure he is going to break the 90 mph barrier in the future
 
His action looks pretty good and it seems that he can swing the ball too. His physique also looks decent so he seems to have all the ingredients of become a world class fast bowler. It would be interesting to see him in a couple of years time how far he can make it in his cricketing career.
 
reminds me of a young left arm kemar roach, roach was rapid when he was younger, short guy with long arms.
 
Just like Rabada was bowling 150kph when he burst onto the scene.

Pace will drop as usual
 
Bewal Express said:
This kid is very highly rated and he is also very quick for a 17 year old. He bowls around the 85mph mark but has the potential to go much quicker. If he stays fit he will play for SA within the next 2 years

View attachment 141156

https://twitter.com/x/status/1744296641811939362
Click to expand...
Still too young (17 years old only) to be judged. One ball is not enough to make him look like a prodigy. total of 7 games only in all formats? May be in the next few years he can be judged if he has potential or not but not yet.
 
Seems like another great fast-bowling prospect for South Africa.

All the best.
 
BouncerGuy said:
Still too young (17 years old only) to be judged. One ball is not enough to make him look like a prodigy. total of 7 games only in all formats? May be in the next few years he can be judged if he has potential or not but not yet.
Click to expand...
I have followed him closely for a year. He is a real talent and with SA cricket in a flex, he will be given chances to succeed. It wasn't just this ball, I didn't add the video, that was the mods
 
He is too good. Imagine him partnering Rabada with the new ball. Absolutely mouthwatering to think about.
 
Quality bower reminds me of a young Shaheen afridi at his best with them deadly pacy swinging Yorkers before he lost it and started bowling pies.
 
Nothing is straightforward. He may get injuries and get other distractions. Around 2000 SA had a fast bowler called Ngam, he was as quick as anything seen by black SA and his career ended faster than it started because of injury and genetic deformity
 
Muhammad Saad said:
Not as good as him but he is close though , Zeeshan seems 5k slower than him but compensates it with extra bounce and movement
Click to expand...
I would take Zeeshan over him. Zeeshan has a height and bounce with movement is a better indicator of future than pace at this age. Both are very good talents
 
In a video released by the ICC on its Instagram platform, Maphaka shed light on the origins of his celebratory style, attributing it to his admiration for Bumrah. The symbolic ‘I Don’t Know’ gesture became Maphaka’s unique way of paying homage to the Indian fast bowler. Through this, he conveyed a confident message to Bumrah, illustrating the cross-cultural camaraderie and mutual respect that permeates the global cricketing community.

“I actually asked my brother for a celebration to give me just before the World Cup. And he just said ‘I have no clue. I don’t know’. I said, ‘You know what, that sounds good. Let me go with the “I don’t know” celebration,” Maphaka said.

“Jasprit you’re a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you,” he added

 
FearlessRoar said:
In a video released by the ICC on its Instagram platform, Maphaka shed light on the origins of his celebratory style, attributing it to his admiration for Bumrah. The symbolic ‘I Don’t Know’ gesture became Maphaka’s unique way of paying homage to the Indian fast bowler. Through this, he conveyed a confident message to Bumrah, illustrating the cross-cultural camaraderie and mutual respect that permeates the global cricketing community.

“I actually asked my brother for a celebration to give me just before the World Cup. And he just said ‘I have no clue. I don’t know’. I said, ‘You know what, that sounds good. Let me go with the “I don’t know” celebration,” Maphaka said.

“Jasprit you’re a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you,” he added

Click to expand...
Very exciting. Genuine pace allied with swing and a left-arm angle. Also seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

Great clip and on a sidenote I love the music (one of my favourite 90s tracks).
 
FearlessRoar said:
In a video released by the ICC on its Instagram platform, Maphaka shed light on the origins of his celebratory style, attributing it to his admiration for Bumrah. The symbolic ‘I Don’t Know’ gesture became Maphaka’s unique way of paying homage to the Indian fast bowler. Through this, he conveyed a confident message to Bumrah, illustrating the cross-cultural camaraderie and mutual respect that permeates the global cricketing community.

“I actually asked my brother for a celebration to give me just before the World Cup. And he just said ‘I have no clue. I don’t know’. I said, ‘You know what, that sounds good. Let me go with the “I don’t know” celebration,” Maphaka said.

“Jasprit you’re a great bowler. Hopefully, I am better than you,” he added

Click to expand...
Another product of their amazing private school system which in Sporting terms is basically rugby academies. Just imagine what would happen if they ever get their state school system working
 
Kwena Maphaka and Kagiso Rabada can be a lethal combination for South Africa in the future.

===========================================

Kwena Maphaka claimed his second five-wicket haul of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 to help South Africa make a storming start to the Super Six stages with a nine-wicket crushing of Zimbabwe atthe JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.

The young fast-bowling sensation grabbed five for 34 in 10 overs – becoming the first bowler to claim twin five-fors at the U19 World Cup and also joining the leading wicket-takers in the tournament with 12 wickets – as their African neighbours were emphatically dismissed for 102 after being put in to bat first.

 
FearlessRoar said:
Kwena Maphaka and Kagiso Rabada can be a lethal combination for South Africa in the future.

===========================================

Kwena Maphaka claimed his second five-wicket haul of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 to help South Africa make a storming start to the Super Six stages with a nine-wicket crushing of Zimbabwe atthe JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.

The young fast-bowling sensation grabbed five for 34 in 10 overs – becoming the first bowler to claim twin five-fors at the U19 World Cup and also joining the leading wicket-takers in the tournament with 12 wickets – as their African neighbours were emphatically dismissed for 102 after being put in to bat first.

Click to expand...
Kwena Maphaka has achieved another 5-wicket haul, this time against Sri Lanka U19 in the Super Sixes Group 2 encounter of ICC U19 World Cup 2024. Nathan Edward demolished the Sri Lankan batting lineup, claiming figures of 5/20 in 7 overs. His exceptional performance left Sri Lanka U19 at 80/6 in 17 overs.

 
Last edited:
All it took for Kwena Maphaka to stamp his presence at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024 was two balls. Off his second delivery in the tournament, he bowled a searing, inswinging yorker that had West Indies opener Adrian Weir flummoxed.

What followed was an animated punch in the air and a big celebration – quite in contrast to the very mellow one he had planned with his elder brother Tetelo. For a few seconds, Maphaka was drawn into the moment, the adrenaline rush getting the better of him. He would end the day with a five-wicket haul, a feat he would go on to achieve twice more in the next few weeks.

“That one [spell against West Indies] is probably closest to my heart,” Maphaka told ICC.

“I just try to put out a good performance every game, but the West Indies one was the most memorable for me. It was the first game of the tournament, lots of nerves, a home World Cup, I thought my spell helped us get off to a really good start to the tournament … set the tone”

The tone was set the moment Maphaka’s sharp inswinger thudded into Weir’s boots. It was the culmination of what Maphaka considers the perfect plan – getting the new ball to swing as much as he can, and surprise the batter.

Maphaka loves the inswinger. After his last Super Six game, the South African teenager, who’d cheekily said he hoped he was better than Jasprit Bumrah, watched the Indian quick’s unplayable yorker to Ollie Pope in the Test series in India.

“I think he had all three stumps uprooted. It’s amazing,” Maphaka said. The inswinger, he reveals, is his biggest weapon too. It is his staple delivery with the new ball, one he mastered alongside Shukri Conrad, the current South Africa Test team head coach.

Conrad’s first glimpse of Maphaka came at the Under-15 level when he was amazed by the left-arm pacer who swung the ball at lightning speed. When Conrad became the head coach of the South Africa U19 team ahead of the previous edition of the U19 Men’s CWC, Maphaka was called up into the setup. Under Conrad’s watchful eyes, the young tearaway honed his sharp inswinger.

Aged 16, Maphaka was taken to the West Indies event in 2022, more to help him gain experience in the environment and to shape him into the new-ball force that would spearhead the attack in the next edition.

However, he ended up playing and making quite an impression. In the current tournament, he has blossomed, his rapid development into one of the best fast bowlers in the competition a topic of conversation around the cricket world.

This isn't new for Maphaka, though. He was always well ahead of his peer group in cricket. “My parents tell me I picked up a cricket ball when I was two years old, playing garden cricket with my brother,” he says.

“There were a lot of challenges in picking up cricket as a profession at such an early age. There’s the pressure of studies at school, the lure of other sports. I would also play hockey, rugby, tennis and athletics … but cricket is something I really enjoy and my passion for the sport has just driven me through all of the hurdles, distractions and other pitfalls."

When he was young, it was all about pace for Maphaka. As he progressed, he picked up the finer skills of pace bowling, including his trademark inswinger and unplayable yorkers.

However, Maphaka maintains that his best quality is aggression – something characteristic of Kagiso Rabada too. Rabada and Maphaka came through the same school, St Stithians, and the duo possess very similar attributes.

“It [aggression] is something that comes very naturally for me,” says Maphaka. “I am a very competitive person at heart. I think it’s my biggest attribute. But to be compared with someone like KG [Rabada] is humbling.

“KG is an inspiration to a lot of people in South Africa and outside, just the way he’s gone about his cricket, the work he has done from such a young age. It’s something I am trying to take on board.”

As the young left-arm quick heads into the big semi-final against India, it's hard not to draw parallels with the all-time great performance of Rabada in the 2014 edition of this tournament, at the very same stage a decade ago.

In the semi-finals of the 2014 edition in UAE, Rabada skittled out Australia for 150, taking a six-wicket haul that would put his team in the finals. It's a match that Maphaka remembers vividly.

“His performance in the U19 World Cup, particularly the one against Australia in the semi-finals, where he took a six-wicket haul, has really inspired me to go on and put in a big performance for my team as well in the big games.”

Maphaka knows he is one of the top performers in the tournament. He stands atop the wickets table with 18 at an average of 9.55, including three five-wicket hauls, a feat not achieved by any other player in the history of the tournament.

“I know I am right up there with some of the best bowlers in the tournament,” he says.

“Saumy Pandey from India, Callum Vidler from Australia, they have bowled really well. I wouldn’t say I am the best, but I’m up there.”

Maphaka is keen to point out that South Africa has had quite a few match-winners so far in the tournament.

From Steve Stolk to Dewan Marais, Tristan Luus, Riley Norton, and Maphaka himself, South Africa has had several individuals making a mark.

“It’s good for us that we haven’t had just one [player] perform in the tournament,” Maphaka says. “We’ve had different guys putting in contributions. It means on any day, one can come in and put in a big performance. That’s what we really need in the semi-finals.”

India will know Maphaka is no easy bowler to face, not least when there are passionate fans egging him on from the stands. The crowd support for South Africa has been immense in the U19 MCWC.

“They [fans] have come out in numbers to back us every single day, even on weekdays when the kids have school and the parents have work,” Maphaka says.

“They have always turned up. And they will be there in huge numbers at the semi-finals in Benoni.”

The prospect of reaching the final is a big motivation for Maphaka as the semi-final looms. With fans supporting his every move, the belief is high.

“Having the whole country come to back you would be truly insane,” he says. “The vibe is very different, you know [when the crowd’s behind you]. It’s something that pushes me.

“Playing away and being in a final might be special, but being at home, with the people that you know. They love you, they support you, they have helped you get to the position that you are in right now. There’s something different about that.”

India and South Africa are yet to face each other in the ongoing tournament, but the teams have history. They faced off in a couple of matches ahead of the tournament in the tri-series in South Africa where India beat them both times.

Will it make it any easier for the Indian batters to face Maphaka, having played him before recently? The fast bowler has a clear answer.

“Usually, the more you face someone, the more comfortable it gets, but I am going to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the Indian batters in the semi-finals,” Maphaka states emphatically.

It’s an ominous warning for the defending champions.
 
Got a bit of rabada in him

Luus is another one who is good. Years glasses though. Wondering if it will impact him
 
That was a brutal ball. Brilliant delivery first up. This guy has bright future ahead,
 
Rabada, Nortje, Maphaka, Coetzee, Burger. Scary, despite losing few great fast bowlers in recent times.
 
Record books re-written as Maphaka concludes Under 19 World Cup campaign

The South Africa pacer claimed one tournament record as he finished the Under 19 World Cup with 21 wickets at an average of just 9.71.

While South Africa fell agonisingly short in their quest for a second ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka proved he was a player of immense promise as he broke a tournament record and equalled another following his 21 wickets at the event.

The Proteas were bundled out of the tournament in a thrilling semi-final against India in Benoni on Tuesday when they fell to a narrow two-wicket loss, but the performances of Maphaka over the course of the event will at least provide South Africa with some optimism that they have found a bowler that appears capable of stepping up to senior international cricket in the future.

Maphaka picked up figures of 3/32 in the cut-throat semi-final, with his delivery to dismiss India opener Adarsh Singh with the first ball of the run chase a sharp, rising delivery that caught the edge and would surely be in contention for ball of the tournament.

It was one of 21 scalps the South Africa left-armer collected throughout the tournament, with the 17-year-old going extremely close to equalling the record of 22 wickets by Bangladesh's Enamul Haque jnr (2014) for most wickets at one edition of the Under 19 World Cup.

Maphaka did however break the record for most five-wicket hauls at the event, with the young quick picking up 5/38 against the West Indies, 5/34 against Zimbabwe and then 6/21 during South Africa's penultimate match at the tournament against Sri Lanka that helped the Proteas qualify for the knockout stages.

Previously only four players had collected two five-wicket hauls at an Under 19 World Cup, with Maphaka's trio of five-fors surpassing efforts by Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage (2022), Afghanistan's Shafiqullah Ghafari (2020) and Pakistan duo Anwar Ali (2006) and Riaz Afridi (2004).

Having taken seven wickets at his first appearance at the tournament in 2022 when just 15, Maphaka ties Zimbabwe's Wessly Madhevere for the most wickets in the history of the Under 19 World Cup with 28 scalps.

Most wickets in history of men's Under 19 World Cup
​
Player​
Country​
Year​
Wickets​
Kwena Maphaka​
South Africa​
2022 - 2024​
28​
Wessly Madhevere​
Zimbabwe​
2016 - 2020​
28​
Moises Henriques​
Australia​
2004 - 2006​
27​
Greg Thompson​
Ireland​
2004 - 2008​
27​
Abhishek Sharma​
India​
2002 - 2004​
26​

Madhevere achieved his haul from a total of 18 matches at three editions of the tournament in 2016, 2018 and 2020, while Maphaka can lay claim to equalling the record in a shorter period of time having featured in just nine matches in total at the Under 19 World Cup.

Maphaka also finishes his Under 19 World Cup career with an imposing average of 11.85, with his average at this year's event even lower at 9.71 and it's no surprise that the comparisons have already been drawn with seasoned South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada.
​
ICC
 
Kwena Maphaka named U19 Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament

South Africa pace sensation wins coveted award at 2024 event

South Africa pace sensation Kwena Maphaka has been named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024.

Maphaka was crowned the Player of the Tournament, seeing off Ubaid Shah, Saumy Pandey, Musheer Khan, Jewel Andrew, Hugh Weibgen, Uday Saharan and teammate Steve Stolk.

The record-breaking South Africa pacer has been one of the standout quicks at the tournament, with his 21 scalps just one short of the tournament record set by Bangladesh's Enamul Haque Jr in 2014.

Maphaka did claim a record of his own with the 17-year-old becoming the first player to collect a trio of five-wicket hauls at a single edition of the tournament.

Maphaka joins an elite list of players who have been Player of the Tournament at the men's event in the past.

At the last edition too, the award was won by a South African — Dewald Brevis, for a record-breaking tally of runs in the tournament.

ICC
 
Find of the tournament.

He was superb.

SA pace attack can now be even more lethal (Rabada, Nortje, Jansen, Maphaka, and Ngidi).
 
sweep_shot said:
Find of the tournament.

He was superb.

SA pace attack can now be even more lethal (Rabada, Nortje, Jansen, Maphaka, and Ngidi).
Click to expand...
I found luus to be good too. But yes maphaka has seriously potential. Ngidi like player
 
BouncerGuy said:
Record books re-written as Maphaka concludes Under 19 World Cup campaign

The South Africa pacer claimed one tournament record as he finished the Under 19 World Cup with 21 wickets at an average of just 9.71.

While South Africa fell agonisingly short in their quest for a second ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka proved he was a player of immense promise as he broke a tournament record and equalled another following his 21 wickets at the event.

The Proteas were bundled out of the tournament in a thrilling semi-final against India in Benoni on Tuesday when they fell to a narrow two-wicket loss, but the performances of Maphaka over the course of the event will at least provide South Africa with some optimism that they have found a bowler that appears capable of stepping up to senior international cricket in the future.

Maphaka picked up figures of 3/32 in the cut-throat semi-final, with his delivery to dismiss India opener Adarsh Singh with the first ball of the run chase a sharp, rising delivery that caught the edge and would surely be in contention for ball of the tournament.

It was one of 21 scalps the South Africa left-armer collected throughout the tournament, with the 17-year-old going extremely close to equalling the record of 22 wickets by Bangladesh's Enamul Haque jnr (2014) for most wickets at one edition of the Under 19 World Cup.

Maphaka did however break the record for most five-wicket hauls at the event, with the young quick picking up 5/38 against the West Indies, 5/34 against Zimbabwe and then 6/21 during South Africa's penultimate match at the tournament against Sri Lanka that helped the Proteas qualify for the knockout stages.

Previously only four players had collected two five-wicket hauls at an Under 19 World Cup, with Maphaka's trio of five-fors surpassing efforts by Sri Lanka's Dunith Wellalage (2022), Afghanistan's Shafiqullah Ghafari (2020) and Pakistan duo Anwar Ali (2006) and Riaz Afridi (2004).

Having taken seven wickets at his first appearance at the tournament in 2022 when just 15, Maphaka ties Zimbabwe's Wessly Madhevere for the most wickets in the history of the Under 19 World Cup with 28 scalps.

Most wickets in history of men's Under 19 World Cup
​
Player​
Country​
Year​
Wickets​
Kwena Maphaka​
South Africa​
2022 - 2024​
28​
Wessly Madhevere​
Zimbabwe​
2016 - 2020​
28​
Moises Henriques​
Australia​
2004 - 2006​
27​
Greg Thompson​
Ireland​
2004 - 2008​
27​
Abhishek Sharma​
India​
2002 - 2004​
26​

Madhevere achieved his haul from a total of 18 matches at three editions of the tournament in 2016, 2018 and 2020, while Maphaka can lay claim to equalling the record in a shorter period of time having featured in just nine matches in total at the Under 19 World Cup.

Maphaka also finishes his Under 19 World Cup career with an imposing average of 11.85, with his average at this year's event even lower at 9.71 and it's no surprise that the comparisons have already been drawn with seasoned South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada.
​
ICC
Click to expand...
Only curse is none of the other 4 made it big. Sort of maddy you could say he did alright. But nothing special. Hopefully it changes with maphaka
 
With Rabada on the wane, and Ngidi being inconsistent, he will end up replacing one or the other. Rabada isn't bowling well, he looks lost on flat wickets and this guy may well be his replacement
 
Bewal Express said:
With Rabada on the wane, and Ngidi being inconsistent, he will end up replacing one or the other. Rabada isn't bowling well, he looks lost on flat wickets and this guy may well be his replacement
Click to expand...
true ha can replace bigger gaints of SA team.. he is a serious talent!
 
Bewal Express said:
With Rabada on the wane, and Ngidi being inconsistent, he will end up replacing one or the other. Rabada isn't bowling well, he looks lost on flat wickets and this guy may well be his replacement
Click to expand...
Rabada is far from done. 28
 

Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka​


Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka, who has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to an injury. Maphaka has joined the squad and he has the distinction of being one of the youngest player both domestic and overseas to be a part of the IPL and carrying forward the MI legacy of finding new and exciting talent who are developed into high performance cricketers.

South Africa’s 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka shot into the limelight at the U19 World Cup earlier this year where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament for picking 21 wickets. The left armer’s 21 wickets are the most ever by a pace bowler in an edition of the U19 World Cup.

He spearheaded South Africa’s attack as they made the semi-finals in home conditions. The 17-year old has already represented South Africa A and South Africa Emerging teams. He will share the dressing room with two of the best bowlers in world cricket – Lasith Malinga, Bowling Coach and Jasprit Bumrah putting him on a path of learning, development and building on that knowledge.

Maphaka already is capable of generating serious pace and has a very mean bouncer that is known to hurry the batters up. He debuted for the South Africa U19 team at 15 & has already played in two U19 World Cups. He is capable of touching speeds of 140kph and his death bowling and yorkers were a standout too at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.

He still is in his final year of high school. A talented all-round sportsman, Maphaka has also had success in tennis and hockey. He hails from the same school as Kagiso Rabada, St. Stithians.

Mumbai Indians have over the years garnered a reputation of finding gems that go on to be international and IPL stars. Since 2008, Mumbai Indians have had young players signed for the team consistently.

www.mumbaiindians.com

Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka - Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka, who has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to an injury.
www.mumbaiindians.com www.mumbaiindians.com
 
Last edited:
FearlessRoar said:

Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka​


Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka, who has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to an injury. Maphaka has joined the squad and he has the distinction of being one of the youngest player both domestic and overseas to be a part of the IPL and carrying forward the MI legacy of finding new and exciting talent who are developed into high performance cricketers.

South Africa’s 17-year-old Kwena Maphaka shot into the limelight at the U19 World Cup earlier this year where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament for picking 21 wickets. The left armer’s 21 wickets are the most ever by a pace bowler in an edition of the U19 World Cup.

He spearheaded South Africa’s attack as they made the semi-finals in home conditions. The 17-year old has already represented South Africa A and South Africa Emerging teams. He will share the dressing room with two of the best bowlers in world cricket – Lasith Malinga, Bowling Coach and Jasprit Bumrah putting him on a path of learning, development and building on that knowledge.

Maphaka already is capable of generating serious pace and has a very mean bouncer that is known to hurry the batters up. He debuted for the South Africa U19 team at 15 & has already played in two U19 World Cups. He is capable of touching speeds of 140kph and his death bowling and yorkers were a standout too at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.

He still is in his final year of high school. A talented all-round sportsman, Maphaka has also had success in tennis and hockey. He hails from the same school as Kagiso Rabada, St. Stithians.

Mumbai Indians have over the years garnered a reputation of finding gems that go on to be international and IPL stars. Since 2008, Mumbai Indians have had young players signed for the team consistently.

www.mumbaiindians.com

Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka - Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians announce Kwena Maphaka as replacement for Dilshan Madushanka, who has been ruled out of IPL 2024 due to an injury.
www.mumbaiindians.com www.mumbaiindians.com
Click to expand...
How much is he getting paid
 
Good pick by Mumbai. this guy has a serious talent and can do well for MI.
 

Kwena Maphaka loved his Proteas experience ... but now it’s back to the school benches​


The Proteas’ teenage fast-bowling sensation Kwena Maphaka has learned a lot on and off the field during their T20 International series against West Indies.

Not only did the 18-year-old make his senior international debut and played in all the games in the 3-0 series defeat against the Windies, but he also managed to get in some study time ahead of his matric finals.

While bowling bouncers in the middle, Maphaka had to make sure he prepares for his history, biology, accounting and mathematics core preliminary exams before taking on the finals towards the end of he year.

“When I go home, it’s into prelims again. I have been studying on tour, unfortunately,” said Maphaka with a sheepish smile.

“It’s going to be a little bit of studying and a little bit of work. After prelims it’s the finals and then done with school!”

So there was hardly time to day dream for Maphaka, who became the youngest ever player to make his Proteas debut. But at this point the final months of his school career feels like it’s just going to be a small speed bump in the way a glorious cricketing career.

There was enough evidence that this kid is still going to feature in a lot of matches for South Africa, after standing tallest in a rather tame Proteas bowling effort against the West Indies.

Maphaka showed some fight to go with his undoubted ability. He took 1/25 in the first match off 3.5 overs went for just 7.25 an over in his second match.

The rain-shortened third match didn’t quite go to plan, as the youngster conceded 34 runs in his two overs when all the bowlers got some tap. But all-in-all, this experience has given him the taste of the big time to make the transition from international age-group cricket a lot smoother.

“Being the youngest player to represent South Africa is a privilege and it’s a great honour. It’s something that I’m going to hold dear to my heart for a very long time,” said Maphaka.

“It’s an amazing feeling, something I’ve been dreaming about my whole life to represent the Proteas. To be the youngest to do it is the cherry on top of the cake.

“From a very young age people said that I have a lot of talent. Cricket is something that I really wanted to pursue, probably from the age of six, seven years old I wanted to be a Proteas player.”

Maphaka was part of the ICC Under-19 World Cups squads in 2023 and 2024. He played a starring role in the 2024 event on home soil, earning the Player-of-the-Tournament award with a haul of 21 wickets at a ridiculous average of 9.71.

He also made his domestic T20 debut for the Lions and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.

The IPL debut didn’t quite go according to plan, with nerves seemingly getting the better of the youngster. But he took that experience into his Proteas debut series took a wicket in first game.

“There has been a few times where I put pressure on myself in a debut, but didn’t want to do that this time,” Maphaka said.

“I came out thinking ‘you’re making your Proteas debut and you’re going to be the youngest to do it ... go out there and enjoy the opportunity. You are here because you are good enough’.

“Saucy [captain Aiden Markram] was chatting to me, saying keep calm and do what you normally do and show us what you are made of. That was really important for me to keep me calm and keep me going.”

Maphaka certainly didn’t stand back against the West Indies, despite his tender age. There was quite a few bouncers during his spells.

It’s the sort of attitude — to go with with ability — that will help him make a success of his international career.

“I have definitely been asked about the bouncers quite often. It’s something that I enjoy doing ... I like being in the batsman’s face and creating a battle, even if there are no words involved,” he said.

“That keeps me in the game and it let’s them know that I’m not here to play around. It’s quite a statement that I like to make.”

For now, however, he needs to make a statement in his upcoming matric exams.

www.iol.co.za

Kwena Maphaka loved his Proteas experience ... but now it’s back to the school benches

While bowling bouncers in the middle, the Proteas’ Kwena Maphaka had to make sure he prepares for his history, biology, accounting and mathematics core preliminary exams.
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
This boy can bowl fast.... He looked pretty pacey last night against Pakistan

dXp2ofm.jpeg
 
The rookie made a mamoo out of Babar yesterday. Such are the times and state of affairs of this current team.
 
I hope he’s not included in tests the wickets SA produce for tests he will run havoc on us
 
Very good prospect

SA have a reputation of developing their talented bowlers, so I can see him be a top 3 bowler in the future
 
Maphaka ends his spell a bit expensive, he conceded 71 runs in his 9.5 over while also claimed 4 wickets against Pakistan in the 2nd ODI.
 

South Africa hand test debut to teenager Maphaka v Pakistan​


South Africa will give a debut to firebrand 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka as one of three changes to their side for the second and final test against Pakistan starting at Newlands on Friday.

Opening batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out with a left thigh strain and will be replaced by all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who will bat at number three with Ryan Rickelton moving to the opener position.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj has recovered from injury and replaces seamer Corbin Bosch after the latter starred on debut in the tense two-wicket win during last week's first test in Pretoria.

Maphaka has only bowled 60.5 overs in first class cricket and was writing his school exams a few months ago. He takes the place of Dane Paterson, who took 5-61 in the first innings at Centurion Park.

"We want to go with an extra bit of pace, even though Paterson has been superb for us," South Africa captain Temba Bavuma told reporters on Thursday.

"Whatever happens from a performance point of view, it will put him (Maphaka) in good stead. He will be looking forward to running in with Kagiso Rabada over the next few days.

"You want to allow him to be as free as you can... and allow the exuberance of youth to come out. It is a case of bowl as quick as you can.

"He does not have a foundation (of playing) first class cricket, and this is certainly not a trial for him, we know what his talent is all about."

The previous test at Newlands against India 12 months ago was completed in 107 overs as the visitors won by seven wickets, the shortest game to have a winner in test history.

The pitch then drew heavy criticism and Bavuma seemed reluctant to discuss it on the eve of the fixture with Pakistan.
"The wicket looks quite interesting. Hopefully it does go the full five days, or at least offers the opportunity to," was all he said.

South Africa have already claimed their place in June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s against as yet unconfirmed opponents, but Bavuma said they are fired up to close out the series against Pakistan and are not treating this as a dead rubber.

"The series is still on the line, it is not just a case of we ticked the box of being in the final," Bavuma said. "We still want to be clinical, we are eying 2-0. The focus is still there.

"As much as we won last week, we were not at our best with bat and ball and that is something to work on."

 
FearlessRoar said:

South Africa hand test debut to teenager Maphaka v Pakistan​


South Africa will give a debut to firebrand 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka as one of three changes to their side for the second and final test against Pakistan starting at Newlands on Friday.

Opening batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out with a left thigh strain and will be replaced by all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who will bat at number three with Ryan Rickelton moving to the opener position.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj has recovered from injury and replaces seamer Corbin Bosch after the latter starred on debut in the tense two-wicket win during last week's first test in Pretoria.

Maphaka has only bowled 60.5 overs in first class cricket and was writing his school exams a few months ago. He takes the place of Dane Paterson, who took 5-61 in the first innings at Centurion Park.

"We want to go with an extra bit of pace, even though Paterson has been superb for us," South Africa captain Temba Bavuma told reporters on Thursday.

"Whatever happens from a performance point of view, it will put him (Maphaka) in good stead. He will be looking forward to running in with Kagiso Rabada over the next few days.

"You want to allow him to be as free as you can... and allow the exuberance of youth to come out. It is a case of bowl as quick as you can.

"He does not have a foundation (of playing) first class cricket, and this is certainly not a trial for him, we know what his talent is all about."

The previous test at Newlands against India 12 months ago was completed in 107 overs as the visitors won by seven wickets, the shortest game to have a winner in test history.

The pitch then drew heavy criticism and Bavuma seemed reluctant to discuss it on the eve of the fixture with Pakistan.
"The wicket looks quite interesting. Hopefully it does go the full five days, or at least offers the opportunity to," was all he said.

South Africa have already claimed their place in June’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s against as yet unconfirmed opponents, but Bavuma said they are fired up to close out the series against Pakistan and are not treating this as a dead rubber.

"The series is still on the line, it is not just a case of we ticked the box of being in the final," Bavuma said. "We still want to be clinical, we are eying 2-0. The focus is still there.

"As much as we won last week, we were not at our best with bat and ball and that is something to work on."

Click to expand...
Kwena Maphaka will become South Africa's youngest male Test cricketer when he debuts against Pakistan in 2nd Test

w8Zy0fS.jpg
 
FearlessRoar said:
Kwena Maphaka generates impressive pace

CWSMwY1.jpg
Click to expand...

When did Pak bowlers hit 140? Whenever I looked, no matter who was bowling 120+ was flashing on the screen.

Also, I just realized that there are massive shades of Rabada in Maphakas action.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
When did Pak bowlers hit 140? Whenever I looked, no matter who was bowling 120+ was flashing on the screen.

Also, I just realized that there are massive shades of Rabada in Maphakas action.
Click to expand...
Oh no! The moment when you realize that Pakistani pacers also hit decent speeds but still remained ineffective. Ofcourse line and length and variation has nothing to do with test cricket.

The irony is unmistakable! 😂😂
 
He will suffer multiple injuries in his career if he does not amend his bowling action as there is pressure on his neck when throwing the ball.
 
Too short , a left armer and his action doesn't look great either.

He is nothing like a young Rabada . I honestly don't see it.

I see him more as a white ball prospect.
 
Farabi said:
Oh no! The moment when you realize that Pakistani pacers also hit decent speeds but still remained ineffective. Ofcourse line and length and variation has nothing to do with test cricket.

The irony is unmistakable! 😂😂
Click to expand...

Farabi, Idk what kind of irony you are searching so I don't get your point. I don't like to get into debates so if you think Pak bowlers were bowling fast, great, good for you, happy for you.
 
GoUgandaCranes said:
Farabi, Idk what kind of irony you are searching so I don't get your point. I don't like to get into debates so if you think Pak bowlers were bowling fast, great, good for you, happy for you.
Click to expand...

Two Pakistani bowlers, KS and Amir Jamal, bowled in the 135-140 KPH range, the same speed range as Rabada and Jansen.

Pace wasn’t the reason why these Pakistani bowlers failed to be effective. The difference lay in their lack of accuracy and movement, which set them apart from their SA counterparts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Does New Zealand potentially have the best pace attack in recent times?
Replies
15
Views
307
Human786
H
FearlessRoar
India bowling icon Jasprit Bumrah named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024
Replies
38
Views
480
Bhaijaan
Bhaijaan
MenInG
[PICTURES/VIDEOS] West Indies pace sensation - Shamar Joseph
2
Replies
115
Views
5K
FearlessRoar
FearlessRoar
pakfan54588
[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Spencer Johnson - Australia's new pace sensation
Replies
7
Views
889
Kianig89
Kianig89
MenInG
Beyond the Boundary: In a year of surprises, can Pakistan produce one more Test shock in South Africa?
Replies
37
Views
1K
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle
Back
Top