Proteas left-arm pace bowler Kwena Maphaka spoke highly of fellow fast bowler and senior teammate Kagiso Rabada after a training session together in Pakistan ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The 18-year-old Johannesburg paceman is currently a reserve for the Proteas at the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan.

But if lucky, he could be throwing down a good few overs with the new ball.

That’s mainly because of the lack of options the South Africans have when it comes to pace at this moment, as injuries have bogged down the likes of Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortjé.

Ngidi, who recovered from his groin injury, was also chosen for Pakistan, but his place in the side hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Maphaka detailed how uplifting it was to have Rabada, who he considers to be “the best out there”, whisper in his ear.

The youngster will now eagerly await an opportunity to don the green and gold in Pakistan and hopefully prove his worth and ingenuity as a fast bowler, given the flat conditions.

@officialcricketsa An exceptionally talented young Maphaka is taking some learnings from the phenomenal KG Rabada 🔥💪🤩. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt ♬ original sound - Cricket South Africa

“I just had a session with KG. Just in my ear the whole time, and it was really good because he knows so much about the game, and he can pick up on small things that will really help you just like that.

“Obviously with the likes of KG and Klaasie (Heinrich Klaasen), they are really experienced guys at the top of the level.

“So, to be able to learn from them as a young player is really special and good for our development as well.

“KG is an amazing guy. I’ve known him for a few years now, and I think our personalities kind of match a little bit, so it’s fun being around him on and off the field. I think KG is probably the best out there.”

The conditions in Pakistan so far have proved to be in favour of batters, as scores in both the warm-up matches and Tri-Nation Series games exceeded 320 on many occasions.

On Wednesday, Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj talked about the opportunity which presented itself in the face of a lack of pace.

The Proteas are set to light up the global stage in the Champions Trophy as they pursue glory 🔥🌎🏏🏆.

Be sure to catch all the games live on SuperSport as our boys begin their chase of a nation's dream 🇿🇦💭. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/26ClWyE3Ph
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 20, 2025

Maharaj said he enjoyed bowling, and took delight in the fact that he may get a chance to deliver more overs at the Champions Trophy.

The left-arm tweaker said that the bowlers will be tasked with adapting to the flat surfaces Pakistan has to offer, which sometimes turns into “basically a road”, with no movement, turn or bounce.

“I take the opportunity in it. Obviously it is a tough one, with our fast bowlers going down, but it’s another opportunity for me to bowl more overs. I love bowling, so it gives you more chances to get a wicket. It is nice to carry the load on your shoulders from time to time,” the 34-year-old spinner said.

The Proteas play Afghanistan on Friday (11am start) before a massive encounter against Australia next Tuesday, followed by England next Saturday.