Watch: Kwena Maphaka conjured serious pace against the Warriors in a four-day domestic match at Kingsmead.
Maphaka first made it to the headlines after finishing as the leading wicket-taker and the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. That immediately earned him a contract with the Mumbai Indians.
In August at Tarouba against the West Indies, Maphaka became the youngest to play men’s international cricket for South Africa. Only 18 years 137 days at the time of his debut, he has played four T20Is so far, and has taken three wickets at 42.33 while going at 9.18 an over.
Read more: Ricky Ponting: Harry Brook can be a generational player across formats
He took field at Durban for the Lions against the Warriors in the CSA 4-Day Series Division 1, the domestic first-class tournament in South Africa. After the Lions were bowled out for 291, Maphaka had opened bowling and hurried the Warriors batters for pace. In a quick burst, he had Diego Rosier caught behind and trapped Matthew De Villiers leg-before.
With Codi Yusuf (2-11) also striking twice, the Warriors were left reeling at 9-4. They were bowled out for 94 in 22.3 overs as Maphaka finished with a career-best 3-24 and Tshepo Moreki with 3-17.
After the Lions declared on 214-8, Maphaka bowled Rosier early and eventually finished with 3-54. The match figures of 6-78 are also the best of his three-match career in the format: his 13 wickets have come at only 20.92 apiece and at one every 28 balls.
Maphaka also conjured serious pace in the T20I against Pakistan after that, dismissing both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He has been called up to the ODI squad since. If he plays, he will become the youngest South African man to play in that format as well.
Watch Kwena Maphaka’s spell against the Warriors:
For your viewing pleasure
— Werner (@Werries_) December 12, 2024
This was Kwena Maphaka against the Warriors in a 4-day match just before his call-up to the Test team
He was bowling some serious heat 🔥
It includes a lovely battle between Maphaka and Jordan Hermann later on 🤩 pic.twitter.com/BZfwl22NTR
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
