Kwena Maphaka gets maiden call-up as South Africa name squad for West Indies T20Is

New Delhi: Fast-bowler Kwena Maphaka has earned a maiden call-up to South Africa’s squad when they play three T20Is against the West Indies later this month. Maphaka bagged Player of the Tournament award in this year’s U19 World Cup by picking 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.

He also made his domestic T20 debut for the Lions and was roped in by Mumbai Indians (MI) for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). Medium-pace bowling all-rounder Jason Smith has also been handed a maiden call-up by South Africa, after amassing 291 runs at an average of 41.57 and a strike rate of 134.10 in the 2023/24 CSA T20 Challenge, including making 51 in the final.

“We’re excited to have Jason (Smith) and Kwena (Maphaka) join the squad for this series. Jason’s recent performances have been impressive, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds valuable depth to our line-up.”

“Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment and gain valuable international experience,” said white-ball head coach Rob Walter.

In South Africa’s squad, Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Tabraiz Shamsi don’t find places due to their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) commitments, while Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen have been given a rest. IANS

Also Read: IPL 2024: Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard Support Kwena Maphaka after his tough outing in debut match

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