South Africa’s youngest bowler makes Test debut

Kwena Maphaka made history on Friday, becoming South Africa’s youngest Test debutant at the age of 18 years and 270 days. The milestone occurred during the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands, Cape Town, where Maphaka’s inclusion was eagerly anticipated due to his exceptional talent and raw pace.  

Still awaiting his final school results, which are due in ten days, Maphaka took the field with just three first-class matches to his name. However, South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma made it clear that Maphaka’s selection was not about trial but a recognition of his immense potential.  

“We know what his talent is about,” Bavuma said on the eve of the match. “He has the characteristics to fulfil his potential, and our role is to support him and make him feel free to continue being the person and player that he is,” he added.  

Maphaka’s journey to the Test arena has been nothing short of remarkable. He first caught attention during the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, where he took 21 wickets at an extraordinary average of 9.71, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His performances, even on less lively South African pitches, showcased his ability to trouble batters with pace and accuracy.  

In the white-ball series against Pakistan preceding this Test, Maphaka consistently clocked speeds above 150kph. His fiery spell in the third ODI included striking Babar Azam on the glove and forcing a mistimed pull shot off the very next ball. He also demonstrated his athleticism with a sharp caught-and-bowled dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan in another match, where he claimed figures of 4 for 72.  

South Africa’s head coach Shukri Conrad has been a key figure in Maphaka’s rapid development. As the national Under-19 coach in 2022, Conrad identified Maphaka’s talent early, taking him to the Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean when he was just 15. Later, Conrad included Maphaka in the South Africa A squad that toured Sri Lanka in June 2023, where he made his first-class debut.  

“He’s always been a special talent,” Conrad said earlier this week. “Even at 15, we could see the potential, and it’s wonderful to see him progress to this stage.”  

Maphaka’s Test debut came amid several changes in South Africa’s lineup. With all-rounder Wiaan Mulder returning and set to bat at No. 3, Corbin Bosch made way for Maphaka. Despite Dane Paterson’s impressive 13 wickets in his last two Tests, South Africa opted for the extra pace Maphaka provides.  

Bavuma hinted at the possibility of Maphaka sharing the new ball with Kagiso Rabada. “I’m sure he’s looking forward to running in with KG over the next five days. We’re super excited for the young talent,” Bavuma said.  

Bavuma emphasized that the team’s focus was on allowing Maphaka to express himself freely without the burden of immediate expectations.  

“With a guy like Kwena, you want him to run in and bowl as quickly as he can. He’s still young, and he’ll learn as he goes, but his talent will make that process easier. He’s not on trial in this game; we know what he can do,” Bavuma said.  

As Maphaka took the field at Newlands, his debut not only marked the start of his Test career but also symbolized the promising future of South African cricket. 

South Africa’s Youngest Test Debutants:

1. Kwena Maphaka, 18 years and 270 days, against Pakistan in 2025  
2. Paul Adams, 18 years and 340 days, against England in 1995
3. Arthur Osche, 19 years and 1 day, against England in 1889
4. Dante Parkin, 19 years and 28 days, against England 1892
5. William Shalders, 19 years and 48 days, against England 1899