New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) South Africa’s up-and-coming fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been sidelined from the one-off T20I against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan due to a hamstring strain sustained during a domestic four-day match in Cape Town last week.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the news in an official statement on Wednesday, revealing that Ottneil Baartman will take Maphaka's place for the T20I against Namibia set for October 11 and will also join the T20I squad for the upcoming Pakistan series later this month.

Additionally, Lizaad Williams, who was already a part of the T20I lineup, has been included in the ODI squad for the tour.

“Proteas Men’s fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has been ruled out of the one-off T20 International (T20I) against Namibia and the white-ball tour of Pakistan due to a hamstring strain,” CSA confirmed.

“The 19-year-old athlete suffered the injury while playing for the DP World Lions against WSB Western Province at WSB Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town last week.

“Following medical evaluations and scans, a grade 1-2 injury was detected, necessitating a four-week rehabilitation period.

“Hollywoodbets Dolphins pacer Ottneil Baartman has been appointed as Maphaka’s replacement for the T20I against Namibia on Saturday, October 11. He will also be part of the T20I squad for the three-match series against Pakistan later this month.

“Lizaad Williams has been added to the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the Pakistan series,” CSA posted on X.

Maphaka first felt discomfort while playing for the Lions against Western Province in a four-day domestic match last week. He bowled 5.5 overs in the first innings before leaving the field due to a visible hamstring strain.

After an initial scan showed no significant damage, he returned in the second innings to bowl a remarkable spell of 3 for 26 in ten overs, which helped his team secure victory by an innings and 134 runs.

However, a further medical assessment by CSA's medical team confirmed a more severe issue than initially thought. The board stated, “subsequent scans and medical evaluations revealed a grade 1-2 injury, and he will undergo rehabilitation over the next four weeks.”

This injury means Maphaka will miss the white-ball tour of Pakistan, which follows the two-match Test series starting October 12. South Africa will then play three T20Is beginning October 28, followed by three ODIs, concluding on November 8.

In Maphaka’s absence, Baartman—who has shown promise in domestic cricket with his accuracy and control—will aim to establish himself on the international stage. Williams’ inclusion in the ODI squad also enhances South Africa’s pace lineup for what is expected to be a challenging tour in subcontinental conditions.

South Africa’s squads:

Namibia T20I: Donovan Ferreira (capt), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman.

Pakistan T20Is: David Miller (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman.

Pakistan ODIs: Matthew Breetzke (capt), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.