Young South African speed sensation Kwena Maphaka garnered headlines by becoming the highest wicket-taker at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. Maphaka picked up 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 from six games. The left-handed speedster has the ability to bowl at sheer pace and was also regarded as the next Kagiso Rabada. Maphaka also earned an Indian Premier League contract and got the chance to play for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. However, he didn't have the best of times and received cruel treatment from the opposition batsmen. Will Pucovski Retires: 26-Year-Old Australian Cricketer Opts For Early Retirement After Suffering Consecutive Concussions.

Kwena Maphaka received an international call-up for the T20Is against the West Indies. The left-handed 18-year-old pacer bowled 9.5 overs in the three matches he played and managed to pick up just one wicket. As quoted by South African news agency IOL, Kwena Maphaka opened up regarding his experience of playing for the South African team. Maphaka became the youngest cricketer to play international cricket for the Proteas. AFG vs NZ One-Off Test 2024: Rashid Khan Not Included in Afghanistan's Preliminary Squad for New Zealand Test Due to Back Injury, Undergoing Rehab in Kabul.

Kwena Maphaka said, Being the youngest player to represent South Africa is a privilege and it’s a great honor. It’s something that I’m going to hold dear to my heart for a very long time. It’s an amazing feeling, something I’ve been dreaming about my whole life to represent the Proteas. To be the youngest to do it is the cherry on top of the cake. From a very young age people said that I have a lot of talent. Cricket is something that I really wanted to pursue, probably from the age of six, seven years old I wanted to be a Proteas player."

Kwena Maphaka further added that he was preparing for his prelims exams during the West Indies tour. He stated that when he returns home and will study for the prelim exams once again. He said, "When I go home, it’s into prelims again. I have been studying on tour, unfortunately. It’s going to be a little bit of studying and a little bit of work. After prelims, it’s the finals and then done with school."

Kwena Maphaka will be looking forward to improving upon his skills as he plays more international matches for South Africa. The left-handed 18-year-old pacer is one of the best fast-bowling talents in the present-day era.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2024 03:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).