2 days Ago By Yolulwe Qoshe
The Proteas are set to take on Pakistan in the second of two Test matches in Cape Town this morning. After winning the first Test at SuperSport Park last week, the Proteas will be looking to wrap things up 2-0. Proteas looking to whitewash Pakistan The last game ended up being a nailbitter, which saw the Proteas eventually overcome a stubborn Pakistan.
The hosts beat their visitors by two runs with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen the eventual heroes. The two seam bowlers steadied the ship from rocky waters and eventually saw the team through. That win also saw the South Africans book their passage to the finals of the World Test Championships for the first time.
The Proteas are set to take on Australia at the iconic birthplace of cricket, Lords in England in June this year. But before then, there is the task at hand against Pakistan. The game at Newlands will also be a momentous one for one player.
That is in the form of teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka. The youngster has just completed his matric exams where he was a scholar at St. Stithians College.
This morning Maphaka will make his Test bow for the Proteas, this before even getting his matric certificate! In doing so, he will become the youngest player to make a Test appearance for the side. This will crown off an incredible year period for him, having seen him make quite a few high profile debuts. In 2024 he made his SA20 debut for the Paarl Royals , IPL debut for Mumbai Indians and CSA T20 Challenge for the Lions .
Then internationally he made his bow for the Proteas at T20 and ODI sides. Maphaka to make his Test bow Now having been drafted in the Test side as cover, Maphaka will finally get the opportunity to play in Proteas whites. He will be hoping it is a memorable one as the first three days of the New Years Test are expected to be sold out.
He will also be hoping it will be the first of many more in his burgeoning career! The first ball in the second Test between the Proteas and Pakistan is set to for 10:30 am. How do you think Maphaka will do? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below..
