Left-arm teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka becomes youngest white-ball debutant for South Africa

Kwena Maphaka. (Source:X/Twitter)

Youthful talent Kwena Maphaka became the youngest ODI debutant to represent South Africa at an age of 18 years and 255 days. The second ODI of the ongoing three-match series against Pakistan had the left-arm speedster’s name listed in the playing XI. This comes after he became the youngest T20I debutant as well for the Proteas in August this year.

The rising star from South Africa skyrocketed to recognition at the 2024 edition of the U-19 World Cup. He was named the Player of the Tournament for his phenomenal tally of 21 wickets in six games, the most by a pacer in a single edition of the coveted tournament. Although his side couldn’t get past the semi-final stage on home soil, he was a beacon of positivity for the young unit.

At the time of writing, Maphaka has registered figures of 2/41 in the seven overs he has bowled up until now. He took a bit of time to get into his rhythm. Maphaka’s fifth over provided him his debut ODI dismissal in the form of the in-form Saim Ayub. All the Pakistani southpaw could do was top edge the pacey delivery outside off-stump to third man, where Rassie van der Dussen held on to the catch. 

Maphaka was understandably pumped up, and it showed in the manner in which he celebrated the wicket. Punching the air in ecstacy and letting out a loud scream, he was immediately engulfed by his teammates. Two deliveries later, he launched a well-directed bouncer on the body to Mohammad Rizwan. The skipper was late to react and the ball thudded onto the helmet, leaving him baffled on the deck. Maphaka dismissed him later on in the 36th over, catching the ball in his follow through.

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Below is the list of the youngest South African debutants: