Former Proteas cricketer Dale Steyn is beneath hearth for his utterances following quick bowler Kwena Maphaka’s Indian Premier League (IPL) debut efficiency on Wednesday, 27 March.
U-19 PROTEA’S STAR KWENA MAPHAKA MAKES IPL DEBUT
Maphaka, who’s 17 years outdated, grew to become the third-youngest abroad participant in IPL historical past when he made his debut for Mumbai Indians towards Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Unfortunately for the younger South African, his efficiency is one he would relatively overlook as he scripted an undesirable report when he conceded 66 runs from his 4 overs. This means he went for 16.5 runs per over, with no wicket to his identify.
At first, the Under-19 Proteas star seemed to be having begin as he gave away solely seven runs from his first over. However, issues went downhill when Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Travis Head recorded two sixes and two fours from Maphaka’s second over.
Maphaka grew to become a family identify within the U19 World Cup earlier this 12 months, the place he completed because the main wicket-taker. During the event, he took 21 wickets in six video games – a report no one has ever reached in a single version of the event.
Commenting on the left-arm quick bowler’s efficiency, Styen wrote on X: “Maphaka realizing the difference between U19 and PRO League. Baptism of fire.”
Steyn’s comment seemed to be in stark distinction to former West Indies cricket star Dwayne Bravo’s phrases of encouragement.
“Keep your head up Champ! Kwena Maphaka I’m sure you will definitely bounce back and don’t let this one off game make you start to doubt yourself, it’s a great challenge for you and you will only get better as the tournament goes on! [sic]” Bravo wrote on Instagram.
DALE STEYN FAN
According to The Indian Express, Maphaka’s largest idol is Steyn, as he grew up watching him and eager to emulate on the sphere.
“I was lucky enough to watch Dale Steyn bowl live a few times. He has definitely been someone that I have tried to emulate. I have tried to keep something like his aggression in my game. It’s amazing to see what he has done, taking the most Test wickets in SA history, it’s an incredible feat,” he says.
“There are definitely a few things that I tried to take away from his (Steyn’s) action. But I tried to keep my action as natural as it can be and create my own brand, ” Maphaka was quoted as saying.
CELEBRITIES SLAM THE EX-CRICKETER
Steyn’s comment was lambasted by many netizens on X, together with Radio 2000 sportscaster, Thabiso Mosia, who criticised him.
Podcaster and Kaya FM breakfast host, Sol Phenduka, additionally slammed Steyn. Sol’s put up acquired a response from celebrated sportscaster, Robert Marawa.
