Proteas fans will get a glimpse of the future in the upcoming T20s against the West Indies after young fast bowling prodigy Kwena Maphaka was included in the 15-man for the three-match series.
Maphaka and Dolphins all-rounder Jason Smith are the two new faces in the squad for the series against the Windies, which starts on Friday, August 23 in Trinidad and Tobago after the conclusion of the current Test matches between the two teams.
The 18-year-old Maphaka was part of the ICC U19 World Cups squads in 2023 and 2024. He played a starring role in the 2024 event on home soil, earning the Player-of-the-Tournament award with a haul of 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.
He also made his domestic T20 debut for the Lions and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
“Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience,” said Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter.
Smith, who scored 51 in the 2023/24 CSA T20 Challenge final against the Lions, amassed 291 runs at an average of 41.57 and a strike rate of 134.10 in the competition.
Happy 18th birthday to Kwena Maphaka 🌟pic.twitter.com/qLuJTMDVeB
Promising Lions spinner Nqaba Peter, who made his T20I debut against the West Indies in May before the World Cup, has been ruled out of the series because of a shoulder injury.
Players who featured at the T20 World Cup semi-final - Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj - are being rested for the series, while others such as David Miller, Henrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi will be playing on the CPL in the West Indies.
“Several players were not considered for this series due to either injury, being in a conditioning block that is related to workload management, or their participation in ongoing T20 leagues,” said Walter.
“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players. It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to the last time we played against the West Indies in May.
“We’re excited to have Jason and Kwena join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up.”
South Africa T20I squad against West Indies
Aiden Markram (captain, Titans), Ottneil Baartman (Dolphins), Nandre Burger (Western Province), Donovan Ferreira (Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (Lions), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Patrick Kruger (Warriors), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Jason Smith (Dolphins), Tristan Stubbs (Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Lions) and Lizaad Williams (Titans).
T20I Series (All matches start at 9pm at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago)
Friday, August 23: West Indies vs South Africa
Sunday, August 25: West Indies vs South Africa
Tuesday, August 27: West Indies vs South Africa
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