Kwena Maphaka, South Africa’s fast bowler, becomes the youngest Test debutant for South Africa at Newlands on Friday. He is not even 19, and has not received his final school results yet. He just gave an outclassing performance in three matches.
“We know what his talent is about,” Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s Test captain, expressed during the game against Pakistan.
Maphaka crossed speeds above 150 kph during the ODIs and T20 matches against Pakistan. Maphaka displayed his marvellous raw pace during the third ODI by challenging Pakistan captain Babar Azam , notably hitting him on the glove and forcing a pull shot that resulted in an easy catch at short midwicket.
During the second ODI match, he successfully took a sharp catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan, showing his full commitment to the game. He finished that match by taking 4 wickets for 72.
During the Under-19 World Cup, Maphaka also gave a brilliant bowling performance.
On some of the less vigorous pitches in South Africa, he took 21 wickets at an amazing average of 9.71. South Africa couldn’t reach the finals but Maphaka’s performance was superb and he got the title of ‘Player of the Tournament.’
South Africa’s Test coach Shukri Conrad was the person who knew about the exceptional abilities of Maphaka before this age-group tournament. While working as a National U-19 coach some years ago, he noticed his hidden talent.
“Seeing Kwena at the camp, I said to the selectors, ‘This kid’s going with us to the World Cup’. Everybody jumped up and said, ‘what are you talking about? He’s 15 years old’,” Conrad told ESPNcricinfo two days before the match. “I said to them that we might not reap the rewards at this World Cup but we’re definitely going to reap the rewards down the line.”
“He seems like he wants to be the man for the team. He has the characteristics to at least to fulfil his potential. And I guess for us it’s to support him and make him feel free to continue being the person that he is.” Temba Bavuma words about kwena Maphaka.
“Kwena selection has potential, more than anything. But obviously, he exudes talent and we wanted to go with an extra bit of pace as well,” Bavuma further explained.
“Unfortunately, a guy like Dane Paterson, who has been superb for us, misses out. So we’re quite excited for Kwena – also considering the fact that we’ve got a series on the line. We want to give an opportunity to a young guy, when there’s a consequence to it. Whatever happens from his point of view, from a performance point of view, it’ll put him in good stead.”
There seems a strong possibility that he will be given the responsibility of opening bowling alongside Kagiso Rabada in the upcoming match.
“I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to running in with KG over the next five days,” Bavuma expressed. “We’re super excited for the young talent.”
