Kwena Maphaka made a reputation for himself on the fifteenth version of ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, with {the teenager}’s gorgeous show of attacking bowling sending cricket lovers right into a frenzy in regards to the potential of a future star.
The expertise of the 17-year-old was additionally rapidly recognised by powerhouse T20 facet, the Mumbai Indians, who recruited him straight into their Indian Premier League (IPL) squad.
Maphaka was initially anticipated to serve primarily as a back-up bowler, however after clearly impressing the coaches, he was handed his IPL debut in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, his debut didn’t going in accordance to plan as he conceded a whopping 66 runs from his 4 overs. That return left him with the undesirable document of turning into the overseas participant who had conceded probably the most runs in an IPL innings. It was additionally the most costly spell by a debutant in an IPL match.
It sparked a fairly insensitive tweet from his cricketing idol, Proteas legend Dale Steyn, who commented: “Maphaka realizing the difference between U19 and the PRO league. Baptism of fire.”
Kevin Pietersen backs young Kwena Maphaka
However, South Africa-born cricket legend Kevin Pietersen, who turned out to be an iconic participant for England, rapidly got here out in help of the Kwena Maphaka.
“I hope Kwena Maphaka wakes up this morning extremely proud of what he achieved last night,” he tweeted. “There are many seasoned international campaigners that try their level best to get picked up in an IP auction and just at the age of 17, yes 17, he made is debut as a foreign player. Forget your figures and love what you achieved. You go, buddy!”
Other IPL veterans comparable to Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard additionally voiced their help for the teenager.
“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!” Bravo stated in a put up he uploaded to Instagram.
Meanwhile, Pollard added: “Head up young man, you have greater things to achieve. I’m sure your family, friends loved ones are very proud of you. tough first day at the office but loved how you kept coming.”
THE NEXT KG RABADA?
Maphaka maintains that his highest quality is aggression – one thing Proteas celebrity Kagiso Rabada has grow to be world-renowned for.
Rabada and Maphaka got here via the identical college, St Stithians, and the duo possess very comparable attributes.
“It [aggression] is something that comes very naturally for me,” acknowledged Maphaka final 12 months. “I’m a really aggressive individual at coronary heart. I believe it’s my greatest attribute. But to be in contrast with somebody like KG [Rabada] is humbling.
“KG is an inspiration to a lot of people in South Africa and outside, just the way he’s gone about his cricket, the work he has done from such a young age. It’s something I am trying to take on board.”
