Young Proteas bowler Kwena Maphaka makes a statement in 4-wicket haul

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-08-10 13:52:43 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 13:42:08

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Fresh from a memorable debut, South Africa's Kwena Maphaka spoke to the nation's aspirations for more homegrown talent and continued the nation's proud fast bowling tradition.

The 18-year-old impressed on his first appearance on Sunday, helping his team to a decisive victory and a series win over India.

The emerging talent, who had been selected for the South Africa Under-19 team, took four wickets inside just four overs on debut and conceded just 20 runs, picking up figures any seasoned pro would be proud of.

"It felt unreal. I really couldn't believe it when I got my first wicket because I was so nervous. I tried to stay calm and focused on bowling good balls," Maphaka said after the match.

Maphaka's performance was instrumental in the Proteas winning the toss and opting to field, with their pace attack proving too much for India to handle despite a 51-run opening stand.

The visiting team lost their way after that, with Maphaka taking the crucial wickets of Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to trigger a collapse.

Speaking of his bowling approach a brisk, bouncy, and exciting pace Maphaka said he tries to emulate the nation's current generation of fast-bowling greats.

"I try to watch and learn from the seniors how they go about things, how they approach spells and games. They have really helped me a lot," he said.

The youngest bowler to take four wickets in a T20 international for South Africa at 18 years and 289 days Maphaka now hopes to build on this moment with the nation behind him.

"It means a lot to me that the coaches have confidence in me to play for the Proteas," he said.

"My family and friends have supported me a lot, and my dad has coached me from a young age, so this is a special moment for us together," he added, with a smile.

With Maphaka's ascendancy, South African cricket is brimming with exciting young talent, reaffirming national pride in the sport and perhaps, more importantly, in the country's continued ability to produce world-beating fast bowlers.

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