After a record-breaking 2024, the young fast bowling prospect from St Stithians College, You are the catsis set to break yet another South African record.
Maphaka will make his test debut in the second test of South Africa’s two-match series against Pakistan at Newlands on 3 January. When he does, he will become the Proteas’ youngest-ever debutant in all three international formats.
Maphaka replaces the veteran swing bowler Dane Paterson, who enjoyed great success at SuperSport Park in Centurion where he picked up a second consecutive five-wicket test haul in South Africa’s first test win.
Maphaka’s test debut arrives a mere three weeks after he made his ODI debut at the same venue against the Pakistanis on 19 December.
During an impressive 2024, Maphaka, in his grade 12 year, also made his T20 debut against the West Indies in September, which made him the youngest debutant for his country in the shorter format, too.
The young fast-bowling prodigy’s test debut will establish another record for the Proteas. At the age of 18 years and 271 days, he will break Paul “Gogga” Adams‘ record as South Africa’s youngest test player, at 69 days younger than the left-arm chinaman spinner when he debuted in 1995 at the age of 18 years and 340 days.
Some other changes have been made to coach Shukri Conrad‘s line-up, including a return for the Proteas’ most successful spin bowler of all time, Keshav Maharaj. He replaces seamer Corbin Boschwho made a superb debut in the test at SuperSport Park.
Opener Toni de Zorzi misses out due to a left thigh strain. In his absence, Ryan Rickelton moves up the order to open the batting alongside Aiden Markram. All-rounder Wian Mulder will be tested by a promotion to third in the batting order. It will be his first outing in the test side since he suffered a broken finger against Sri Lanka in November.
The Proteas have already qualified for the World Test Championship Final at Lords in England later this year, but their opponent in the final has not yet been decided. They will, however, be focused on claiming a seventh successive test victory, following a narrow two-wicket win in the first test. Another victory would be a welcome result after Pakistan scored a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI Series.
South Africa playing XI: Aiden Makram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.
Franco is a sports fanatic from Tzaneen, a small town in Limpopo. Obsessed with both cricket and rugby, he still does the sport at club level when given the chance. Combining the rush of sports with his other passion, writing, gives him the fix any sport-crazy fan needs. In his spare time, he spends quality time with family and friends, preferably around a braaivleis fire.
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