Maphaka has enjoyed a meteoric 12 months after first announcing himself as a serious talent for the future at last year's U19 World Cup.

Then only 17, Maphaka took the player of the tournament award after claiming 21 wickets at an astonishing average of just 9.71. Shortly after the competition, Maphaka was signed by Mumbai Indians for the 2024 IPL as an injury replacement for Sri Lanka seamer Dilshan Madushanka. Maphaka made two appearances in the competition, becoming the third youngest overseas player in IPL history in the process.

International limited-overs debuts have since followed. Maphaka made his senior international bow in a T20I against the West Indies in August before debuting in ODI cricket against Pakistan last month, catching the eye with a series of hostile spells occasionally breaching the 94mph/151kph mark. Maphaka was South Africa's youngest men's international in both limited overs formats.

Prior to making his Test debut, Maphaka has made just three first-class appearances, the first of which came for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in June 2023. His most recent red-ball outing came for the Lions against the Dolphins in South Africa's domestic first-class competition – Maphaka took match figures of 6-78 across the fixture.

Maphaka's inclusion is one of three changes made to the South Africa XI from the side that beat Pakistan at Centurion to secure a place in the 2025 World Test Championship. Both Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder are returning from injury and slot straight back into the side.

Corbin Bosch, who impressed with both bat and ball on debut in Centurion, has been left out, as has Dane Paterson, who has claimed five-wicket hauls in each of his two most recent Tests. The other player to make way is Tony de Zorzi, paying the price for a run of six sub-20 scores. Mulder will bat three in his stead and add balance to the side as a fifth bowling option.

But the headline selection call is that of Maphaka who is set to become South Africa's youngest ever men's Test cricketer, breaking Paul Adams' 30-year record.

Full list of youngest South Africa's men's Test cricketers:

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