Kwena Maphaka, an 18-year-old South African pacer, is quickly making waves in international cricket. After an exceptional performance in the Under-19 World Cup, where he claimed 21 wickets, Maphaka has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the game. His impressive performances earned him a contract with the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, and he is now part of the Paarl Royals in the SA20.
Maphaka made history in December 2024 by becoming South Africa’s youngest Test debutant at 18 years and 270 days. Bowling at over 150 kph, he dismissed Pakistan captain Babar Azam three times across formats, cementing his reputation as a talent to watch.
In an interview, Maphaka shared insights into his journey, future ambitions, and experiences in the cricketing world.
Life with the Paarl Royals
Maphaka expressed his appreciation for the supportive environment at the Paarl Royals, a team known for nurturing young talent.
“Playing for the Paarl Royals has been an amazing experience. It’s great to have a lot of youngsters in the side, which creates a comfortable atmosphere. It’s a place where you feel free to express yourself and grow as a player.”
Learning from Legends
The young pacer highlighted the value of interacting with senior players like Lungi Ngidi.
“I’m always eager to learn and often ask Lungi random questions. He’s been fantastic in sharing his experiences and helping me develop my game.”
Maphaka also spoke about gaining insights from batting legends like Joe Root, Dinesh Karthik, and David Miller.
“In T20 cricket, staying a step ahead is crucial. Talking to experienced players like Root, Miller, and DK has been invaluable in understanding a batter’s mindset and strategizing better as a bowler.”
Handling Expectations and Test Cricket Challenges
Despite being hailed as the next big thing in Proteas cricket, Maphaka remains focused on improving his skills.
“There’s definitely some added pressure when you’re seen as a young prospect, but I focus on learning and playing as hard as I can to become the best version of myself.”
Reflecting on his Test debut, he described the experience as both an honor and a challenge.
“Test cricket is the ultimate format—physically and mentally draining, but incredibly rewarding. Sharing the dressing room with players like Kagiso Rabada has been inspiring. Kagiso is always willing to share his knowledge, which helps me stay ahead of the curve.”
Dismissing Babar Azam: A Special Moment
Maphaka discussed his success against one of the world’s best batters, Babar Azam, whom he dismissed three times.
“Babar is a phenomenal player, one of the greats of this generation. We had specific plans for him, just like we do for every batter. I approached it the same way as bowling to anyone else—stick to the plan and execute it well. Fortunately, it worked out perfectly.”
Future Goals in SA20 and IPL
Looking ahead, Maphaka is optimistic about the SA20 and his IPL journey with the Rajasthan Royals.
“The SA20 is a fantastic platform for young players to compete against some of the best in the world. It’s exciting to see emerging talents like Lhuan-dre Pretorius make an impact. I’m also looking forward to the IPL, where I’ll get to learn from head coach Rahul Dravid and other great players. Both tournaments are great opportunities to grow as a player.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With his rapid rise in international cricket, Kwena Maphaka is poised to become a key player for South Africa in the years to come. Balancing humility with ambition, the young pacer is ready to make his mark on the global stage.
