Watch: Kwena Maphaka, a 17-year-old left-arm quick, caught the eye in scintillating fashion on the first day of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, claiming five wickets to drive hosts South Africa to a thrilling victory over West Indies.
The buildup to the tournament was dominated by the decision of Cricket South Africa to axe David Teeger from the captaincy in a controversy over pro-Israel comments made at an awards show.
The Proteas quickly shrugged that off, with Teeger contributing handily from the ranks. He made a cautious 44 from No.3, but the departure of him and Romashan Pillay in the space of three balls looked as if it would derail the innings.
Instead, Dewan Marais and captain Juan James combined for a match-defining century stand. Marais’ 65 off 38 was the dominant knock, and South Africa surged to 285-9.
West Indies’ chase got off to a madcap start. By the end of ten overs, they had put on 73, but lost five wickets. Three of those fell to Maphaka, who bowled with pace, swing and accuracy, nailing opener Adrian Weir and No.3 Joshua Dorne lbw with yorkers either side of bouncing out West Indies captain Stephan Pascal.
Riley Norton claimed the other two powerplay wickets to fall, but wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew played a sparkling knock to keep West Indies ahead of the rate. He carved 130 off 96 as a remarkable comeback loomed into view. West Indies were 190-5, 225-6 and 250-7, but two wickets in two balls effectively decided the game. Maphaka bowled Nathan Edward with a yorker before Norton struck the key blow, Andrew inside-edging behind. Maphaka then finished things off with, you guessed it, another yorker, to wrap up victory by 33 runs.
The result could prove crucial, with England also in Group B. While the top three teams from each group progress to the next stage, teams carry points forward against teams who also progress, while higher-placed teams also have an easier Super Sixes schedule, due to not playing the other top-ranked team from the group stage to progress to their pool of six.
Watch Kwena Maphaka take a five-wicket haul below:
A match-winning spell from the talented Kwena Maphaka 👏
Don't miss out on the searing yorkers in the @aramco POTM highlights 📹#U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0m0RhhMR5s
— ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2024
