South Africa Give Test Debut to Teenager Kwena Maphaka Against Pakistan
South Africa have named 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka to make his Test debut in the second and final Test against Pakistan, starting on Friday at Newlands in Cape Town. Maphaka's inclusion is one of three changes to the South African side, as they look to seal the series against Pakistan following their tense victory in the first Test.
Opening batter Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out of the match due to a left thigh strain and will be replaced by allrounder Wiaan Mulder. Mulder will bat at No 3, with Ryan Rickelton moving to open the batting. In another change, spinner Keshav Maharaj has recovered from injury and will replace seamer Corbin Bosch, who impressed on debut with a key performance in the first Test.
Maphaka's inclusion is a bold move, considering he has only bowled 60.5 overs in first-class cricket. Just a few months ago, he was writing his school exams, but his potential has been recognized, and South Africa is eager to give him a chance. Maphaka will take the place of Dane Paterson, who claimed five wickets in the first innings in Centurion but is now sidelined.
South African captain Temba Bavuma spoke highly of Maphaka's talent, stating, "We want to go with an extra bit of pace, even though Paterson has been superb for us. It will put him in good stead, running in with Kagiso Rabada." Bavuma also emphasized that Maphaka's inclusion is not a trial but a recognition of his abilities.
The pitch at Newlands has been under scrutiny following the controversial short duration of the last Test played here, where India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in just 107 overs. Bavuma, however, refrained from commenting on the wicket, merely hoping it would provide an opportunity for a full five-day game.
South Africa have already secured their place in June's World Test Championship final at Lord’s but are not treating the series as a dead rubber. Bavuma stressed that the team remains focused on winning the series 2-0. "We still want to be clinical," he said, adding that despite the win last week, there were areas for improvement with both bat and ball.
South Africa’s lineup for the match includes Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Kwena Maphaka. The team is determined to finish the series strong and carry their momentum into the World Test Championship final.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0