Kwena Maphaka (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka became the highest wicket-taker in the Under-19 World Cup at the start of 2024. He picked 21 wickets in just six games at an enviable average of 9.71 and an impeccable strike rate of 15.28. Subsequently, he was drafted into the national side after almost six months. The 18-year-old made his international debut for the Proteas against West Indies in the first T20I on August 23.
After toiling hard, he managed to luck Rovman Powell’s wicket bowling his final over and making it his first international scalp. Maphaka, who is still a studen, revealed that he is studying amidst the intense West Indies tour to prepare for his prelims. He also added that after representing his country at the highest level, he will get back to the school.
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“When I go home, it’s into prelims again. I have been studying on tour, unfortunately. 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,” said Maphaka as quoted by iol.com.za.
Being youngest player to represent South Africa is privilege: Maphaka
The left-arm pacer had a forgettable debut series, bowling just 9.5 overs across three games and picking just one wicket as the visitors lost 0-3. It will be interesting to see if the Proteas trust the young shoulders to bear the responsibility in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in September. It is worth noting that, with his debut game, Maphaka became the youngest cricketer to represent South Africa in internation cricket.
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“Being the youngest player to represent South Africa is a privilege and it’s a great honor. It’s something that I’m going to hold dear to my heart for a very long time. 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,” he added.