Kwena Maphaka ready to shine as Proteas’ backup left-arm quick at T20 World Cup
19-year-old Kwena Maphaka, with valuable IPL and SA20 experience, is poised to contribute as a backup left-arm quick for the Proteas at the T20 World Cup, focusing on managing run rates and taking wickets. Picture: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
Image: PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP
It didn’t raise many eyebrows on Monday when 19-year-old Kwena Maphaka was not included in the playing XI to face Canada in the Proteas' T20 World Cup opener, but the youngster is ready for the call whenever that may come.
Unlike most other teenagers making their way as a cricket professional, Maphaka already has two seasons of IPL cricket under his belt as well as two in the SA20 just for good measure.
He also potentially adds another dimension to the Proteas attack as the backup left-arm quick after bowling allrounder Marco Jansen.
Maphaka also featured in the three-match T20 series against the West Indies last month, though he failed to impress.
Maphaka’s Focus on Runs and Wickets Ahead of T20 World Cup
“Leading up to the World Cup, we had a couple of games against the West Indies. I’m definitely looking to polish up on a few things, number one being the runs conceded, obviously," Maphaka told SportsBoom.co.za.
“The T20 World Cup is known for bowlers going for a lot of runs, so being able to manage the run rate is massive for me and it’s something that I’ve been working on. I’m looking to take wickets and be nice and aggressive."
“The best way to stop the flow of runs is to take wickets. So, I think those are the main things that I’ll be focusing on leading into the World Cup.”
One of the big reasons the selectors went for Maphaka for this World Cup despite his relative inexperience at international level is his experience in Indian conditions.
Though he’s only had a taste of IPL cricket over his two seasons having played just four matches in total, the training behind the scenes is what will make him a big asset at this World Cup.
In fact, he may well get a run against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad as Lungi Ngidi may just be rested after taking a tumble during the match against Canada. Though he appeared perfectly fine after his fall, it may just be a good idea to give the leader of the Proteas a rest in favour of Maphaka.