- August 12, 2025
If you haven’t noticed already, it is time to start taking Kwena Maphaka seriously. This 19-year-old, raw-talent speedster from Johannesburg is not only making waves, but he is loud enough to surely shake things up in international cricket. Maphaka showed all the right qualities in the recent T20 match against Australia; the flair, skill, attitude, and raw talent of someone who, by way of either separation or distinction, is destined to become South Africa’s next big thing. Let us look through the reasons this young left-armer is capturing attention and why fans should be excited about Maphaka, with so much more to come.
The Rise of a Teenage Tornado
For anyone old enough to recall when young cricketers (perhaps a year or even two) were softly introduced to the international stage, Maphaka’s experience has been anything but gentle. Maphaka, now 17 years young, introduced himself to the cricketing stage as the Player of the Tournament at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, which is remarkable enough on its own, taking 21 wickets and possessing an outstanding average of below 10. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Maphaka signed with the Mumbai Indians and played in 2 IPL games before even playing for the senior national team: that is how high scouts and coaches are on him!
And get this — his speed gun once clocked him at 151kph in an ODI, signaling that this isn’t some garden-variety left-arm spinner. Maphaka brings heat, and he’s mixing it up with some of the best in the business.
More Than Just Raw Pace — The Mental Game and Fire
What makes Maphaka truly refreshing is that he has a burning spirit that separates him in a game that thrives on coolness. He relishes the battle — especially when it is against branded players like Tim David, who has a decade and some on him. This back and forth is not just ‘talking’ smack, it is genuine competitiveness and belief in self.
Ryan Rickelton perfectly captured Maphaka’s vibe—chilled and composed behind the scenes, yet a fierce, fired-up competitor as soon as he crosses that white line. Normally calm off the field, but then what he has shown on the field is exactly what a game-changer is. The calmness away from the game, and with the fire he shows when he is on the field of play, is a fantastic mix. Maphaka has confidence, but this is not arrogance. This is self-belief from someone who knows he can deliver on his strengths and when the pressure is highest.
Fielding and All-Round Impact: A Complete Package in the Making
If you believed Maphaka was just about pace and aggression, you would be wrong! In the modern-day game of cricket, we want multi-skilled players, and this young man cannot be boxed. When Maphaka played Australia in the recent ODI series, he displayed safe hands and quick reflexes in the Powerplay when he took two great catches.
All-format coach Shukri Conrad has worked exceptionally hard in identifying players who can deliver a lot more than one skill. Out of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, I would be surprised if he was more effective with the ball than in the field – he would be adding value in every single facet of the game.
So, to all the cricket fans, there is one question: is everyone ready to welcome this teenage tornado as South Africa’s bowling spearhead? Because, at this trajectory, it should be yes!
