West Indies Opt to Bowl First in T20I Opener Against South Africa

West Indies Opt to Bowl First in T20I Opener Against South Africa

West Indies captain Rovman Powell elected to bowl first against South Africa in the opening T20I at the Brian Lara Academy. However, heavy rain delayed the start of play, postponing the debut of 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka, South Africa’s youngest debutant since Victor Mpitsang in 1999.

Maphaka’s inclusion came after Lungi Ngidi was ruled out with a calf injury. South Africa fielded an experimental lineup, with Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks opening the batting and Rassie van der Dussen batting at No. 5. Donovan Ferreria and Patrick Kruger provided all-round options, while Bjorn Fortuin was the lone specialist spinner.

West Indies opted for a more traditional approach, with Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze opening the batting, followed by Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, and Powell. Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, and Shamar Joseph completed the lineup.

The match marked the first time that West Indies had played a T20I at the Brian Lara Academy. The venue, named after the legendary West Indian batsman, has hosted several regional matches but had not previously been used for international cricket.

The rain delay ultimately forced the match to be reduced to 15 overs per side. South Africa posted a competitive total of 160/6, with Hendricks top-scoring with 42. West Indies, in reply, fell short by 13 runs, despite a valiant effort from Hope (35) and Rutherford (33).

The second T20I of the series will be played on Sunday, June 26, at the same venue.

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka, the standout performer at the Under-19 World Cup, has earned a call-up to South Africa’s senior team for their upcoming T20I series against West Indies. The 18-year-old fast bowler, who was named Player of the Tournament, has impressed with his pace and control, taking 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 in the tournament.

Maphaka’s inclusion is a testament to his rapid rise in the cricketing world. He made his provincial debut for Lions just before the World Cup and was subsequently picked by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. His selection for the Proteas is a recognition of his exceptional talent and potential.

South Africa’s squad for the West Indies series also includes Jason Smith, a middle-order batter who was Dolphins’ top-scorer in the CSA T20 Challenge. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with several regulars absent due to the recent T20 World Cup and upcoming CPL.

Quinton de Kock, who has not confirmed his international retirement, is the most notable absentee. Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Tabraiz Shamsi are also missing, while Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen are being rested.

Bjorn Fortuin, who was a reserve player at the T20 World Cup, will take on the main spin-bowling duties. Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace attack, supported by Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams. Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger provide seam-bowling allrounder options.

Rassie van der Dussen has been recalled after missing out on the T20 World Cup, but there is no room for Matthew Breetzke. Aiden Markram will continue to captain the side.

“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players,” said South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter. “It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition.”

The three matches will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium from August 23-27. South Africa will be looking to improve on their performance in their previous T20I series against West Indies in May, which they lost 0-3.

17-Year-Old South African Pacer Kwena Maphaka Makes IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians

17-Year-Old South African Pacer Kwena Maphaka Makes IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) made a bold move by handing a debut to 17-year-old South African pacer Kwena Maphaka in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Maphaka became the second youngest player to debut for MI in the IPL, after Rasikh Salam, who was just a day younger at 17 years and 353 days when he made his debut in 2019.

Maphaka’s impressive performance in the recently concluded ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker with a record 21 wickets in just six games, earned him a place in the MI squad. The Johannesburg-born pacer is known for his lethal yorkers and can clock speeds of 140 kph.

Maphaka’s debut is a testament to MI’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and the guidance of bowling coach Lasith Malinga.

Maphaka’s inclusion in the MI squad is also a reflection of the growing trend of young overseas players making their mark in the IPL. Mujeeb ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane, both of whom debuted in 2018, have paved the way for Maphaka to showcase his skills on the biggest stage of T20 cricket.

Maphaka’s debut is a significant moment for South African cricket. He is the first South African player to debut for MI in the IPL, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike.

Mumbai Indians Acquire South African Speedster Kwena Maphaka

Mumbai Indians Acquire South African Speedster Kwena Maphaka

Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their bowling attack with the acquisition of 17-year-old South African speedster Kwena Maphaka. The young pacer joins the franchise as a replacement for Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka, who suffered a hamstring injury.

Maphaka, who hails from Johannesburg, caught the attention of MI scouts during the recent U19 World Cup in South Africa. In nine matches, he scalped 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.71, showcasing his exceptional pace and wicket-taking ability.

The 17-year-old’s arrival in Mumbai was met with a heartwarming moment when his mother posed a question through the MI admin: how would he manage his studies while playing in the IPL? Maphaka responded with determination, stating that he would balance his cricket commitments with extra lessons and hard work.

Maphaka’s T20 record is equally impressive, with 13 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 6.71. He possesses a lethal bouncer that can unsettle batters and has the ability to generate speeds of up to 140kph.

MI head coach Mark Boucher, a fellow South African, will play a crucial role in Maphaka’s development. The young pacer will have the opportunity to learn from two of the world’s best bowlers, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah, who serve as MI’s bowling coach and star pacer, respectively.

Maphaka’s addition to the MI squad adds depth to their bowling attack. He will join a formidable lineup that includes Bumrah, Malinga, Jofra Archer, and Daniel Sams. The franchise will be hoping that the young South African can make an immediate impact and contribute to their success in the upcoming IPL season.

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